5 Killer Quora Questions On Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

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

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

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

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.