Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace (go directly to 51), be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and Modern Fireplace damage its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. 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 room.

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

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, marble fireplace try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

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. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your tabletop fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no 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 located away from the ethanol fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.