9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to be in line 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 suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace suite surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for ethanol fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. 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 non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone fireplaces with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account 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 fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.