This Week s Top Stories Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood tabletop fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

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

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall fires in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into 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 customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.