This Week's Most Remarkable Stories About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace insert surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which 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 the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it 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. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, Tabletop fireplace non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

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

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.