A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing ethanol fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

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

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the bioethanol fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for 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 won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble fireplace cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and 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 water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful in a freestanding fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces (here).

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a 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 help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.