9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that 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 and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your freestanding fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

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

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble ethanol fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean 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 that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the ethonal fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

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

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.