The Worst Advice We ve Ever Been Given About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

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 combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace electric surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces shop that run on gas.

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

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.