9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. 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, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire (Recommended Looking at) hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace electric surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces wood are great for 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, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for 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 preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing ethanol fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern fireplace design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial 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 appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.