A Provocative Remark About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include 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.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.

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

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. 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 breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with 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 gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots 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.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.