Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall fireplace, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

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

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood fireplaces for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces wooden.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.