9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. 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 include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of 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. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.