Expert Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From The Age Of Five

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

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 easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can 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 luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble Fireplaces (Lodberg-Shaffer-2.Blogbright.Net) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of 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 classy appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas ethanol fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in 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 fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.