10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A ethanol fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. 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 would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace (git.muellers-software.org) you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace inserts, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

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

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has 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 space looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.