5 Killer Quora Answers To Fireplace Surrounds

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. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it’s important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions 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 sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace’s surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

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 choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace’s surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can 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 is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re using a combustible material as your surround, you’ll have to consider the codes and fireplacesandstove regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.