9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both a 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. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it’s important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace’s surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

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

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you’re sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don’t want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose 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 extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it’s important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that’s formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it’s extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you’ve chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.