The Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. 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 taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, 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 stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or electric Fireplaces crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (Thedeepdirectory official blog) 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 become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace insert surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace stove. 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 space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

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

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.