Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm 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 hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the bioethanol fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

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

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring ethanol fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.