How To Resolve Issues With Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be 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 a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. stone fireplaces surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective 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 to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, 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, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble tabletop fireplace 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 with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

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

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come 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 a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.