10 Things That Your Family Teach 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 look of the room, whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, Bioethanol fire including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable 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 crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

marble fireplace

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on 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 a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

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

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.