Wisdom On Fireplace Surrounds From A Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fires fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fires.

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

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace suite surround is a great option to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

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

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace 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 comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

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

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for Marble fireplace an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.