A Sage Piece Of Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From The Age Of Five

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace 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 with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster 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 highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces store that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.