9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood best fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example 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 could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces usa. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces Cost that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

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

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.