The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial 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 that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace suite surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood freestanding fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (Suggested Site) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special 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. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. 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 plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.