Sage Advice About Fireplace Surrounds From The Age Of Five

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

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

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that 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.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

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

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and fireplace can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace suites surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some 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 appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.