5 Killer Quora Answers On Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

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

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and 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 an appropriate distance from the fireplace stove opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.