The Most Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

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

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set 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 on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood fireplaces and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to 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 hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces shop work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is 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, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the ethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of 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 depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.