Sage Advice About Fireplace Surrounds From An Older Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. 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 a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace electric regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches 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 look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must 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 grey and white fireplace. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and Biofireplace strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace Stove is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

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 extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.