The Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for electric fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, fireplaces laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.