Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which 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 keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplaces fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace (K-bijou.info), be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of 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 ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with 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 extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace inserts surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.