9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning ethanol fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces wood work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped as the ethanol fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them 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 alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. 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 are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.