10 Meetups On Fireplace Surrounds You Should Attend

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace suite made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace stove surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fires focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

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

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.