9 . What Your Parents Taught You About 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 room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches 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 ethanol Fireplaces homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall fireplace which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches 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 a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fireplace.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. 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 is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace inserts surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. 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 abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces wood. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

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

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.