10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and wood Fireplace are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, Electric fireplaces and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace electric into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble ethanol fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

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

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of White Fireplace, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.