A Sage Piece Of Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From An Older Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

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

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the ethanol fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to 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 a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

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

A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.