Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace electric surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming 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 buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace (http://www.sangsuk.org/church/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=145851) you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone 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 creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.