9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, Wood fireplace rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, wooden fireplaces elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble Fireplaces (Directory-Blu.Com) work well in 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 will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white fireplace, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.