5 Killer Quora Answers To 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 make or break the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little 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 choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace inserts gets hotter. 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 range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional 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 a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for electric fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.