9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space 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 considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white fireplace swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern fireplace-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect Wall Fires feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled cheap fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.