10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

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

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for fireplace Inserts a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.