The 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 fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

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

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches 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 look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace stove and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was 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 extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.