Wisdom On Fireplace Surrounds From An Older Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

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

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic 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 fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners 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 a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces wood. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance 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 are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.