Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

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

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces wood. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning ethanol fire area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.