Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging. Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted. Wood A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over. When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall. The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage. Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow. When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence. Stone A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value. You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood. While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element. Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home. A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk. Marble Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones. Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style. If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles. Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person. Granite Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface. You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space. The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining. If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful. Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries. Steel A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. 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 can be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces. Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surround s are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room. Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace. Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space. When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.
fireplace surround
