This Week’s Top Stories Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, 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 because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace’s surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace’s surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren’t warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn’t change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you’re certain to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You’ll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It’s rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it’s very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

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

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm 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 ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look good). If you’re planning to install a combustible surround, you’ll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.