9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A freestanding fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

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

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

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

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone fireplaces might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood ethanol fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for 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. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand marble Fireplace high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace suite surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.