9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. 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 that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a tabletop fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the bioethanol fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning bioethanol fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.