This Week's Top Stories Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also 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.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces shop. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace inserts made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

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

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas ethanol fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist 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 features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.