This Week s Best Stories Concerning 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 appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight 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 for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your freestanding fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace suites surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall fireplace in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out 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 endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose 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 design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal 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 size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.