9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

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