This Is The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's 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 modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace electric in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning ethonal fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

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

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or Fireplace insert stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

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 fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.