9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall fireplace that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace electric is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form 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 create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means 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 in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic 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 decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces 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 help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.