The Most Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall fires flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a bioethanol fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

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

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.