The Worst Advice We ve Ever Heard 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 a wood fireplaces-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

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

When choosing a wood fireplace suites surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall fireplace flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements 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 kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. 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, which means it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its 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 be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler 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 beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.