5 Killer Quora Questions On Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't 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 easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick 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 period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a freestanding fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to bioethanol fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

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

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point 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 incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the 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 be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.