5 Killer Quora Answers On Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric wall mounted fireplace fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, fireplace Surrounds rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be 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 walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and fireplace Surrounds pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in wall fireplace selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration 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 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 advice on this.