Solutions To The Problems Of Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some freestanding fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

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

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, marble fireplaces bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design 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 like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone fireplaces that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.