The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A wood fireplaces fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and british Fires joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace insert surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.