10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have Electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and Fireplace Suites garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. stone fireplaces surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and Fireplace insert water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall fires of an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. 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. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might 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 extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.