Don t Believe These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces - Full Guide - surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall fires. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of 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, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can 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 want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which 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 are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm 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 located away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.