10 Meetups About Fireplace Surrounds You Should Attend

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be 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 thick 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 fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood electric fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. marble fireplace can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and 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's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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 rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.