10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden They'll Help You Understand Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace inserts. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood freestanding fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood fireplaces.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

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

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important 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 a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.