The Sage Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From A Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the electric fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace (776cddbc000ffcc2a1.tracker.adotmob.com) you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for electric fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.