The Most Sour Advice We ve Ever Heard About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

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

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

stone Fireplaces surrounds are a great choice for both wood fireplaces and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a tabletop fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to the 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 regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.

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

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace electric surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.