5 Killer Quora Answers To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for Wooden fireplaces your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace suite to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in 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 necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add 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 ethanol fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern 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 accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial 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 rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.