This Week s Best Stories About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come 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 providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace stove. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high 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 fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over 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 further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.