10 Things That Your Family Taught You 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. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used 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 that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace’s surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace’s surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps 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 luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn’t change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you’re certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you’re planning to install an elegant fireplace, you’ll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element 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 works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

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

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn’t be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.