Don t Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace insert. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, fireplace stove so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's 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 by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. 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 chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace suites regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white fireplace swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, 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 space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Certain 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 can vary, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.