10 Meetups About Fireplace Surrounds You Should Attend

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone fireplaces, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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 insert regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

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 paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on 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 is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white fireplace swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace stove that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled cheap fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.