The Most Negative Advice We’ve Ever Received On Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it’s a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and biofireplace oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It’s not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace’s surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don’t shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn’t change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you’re bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the 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, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You’ll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to 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 if you don’t want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It’s rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed 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 can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look good). If you’re using a combustible material for your surround, you’ll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.