The Expert Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (pm.expert) are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

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

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some fireplace electric surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and 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, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.