5 Killer Quora Questions On Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace insert surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive 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 various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is 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, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly 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. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design 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 also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces shop.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different 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 that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.