The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall fires, 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 sturdy and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces shop. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a tabletop fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look 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 variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.