Expert Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From A Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace insert surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. marble fireplaces (from this source) work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you decide to go with a marble ethonal fire place you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace suite.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.