Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting 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 bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace suites surround made of stone is a great option to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a bioethanol fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in 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 in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stone fireplaces wood (www.markscala.Com) holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces wood that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on 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 hold decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.