10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall fires which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall fireplace. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace inserts surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider 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 can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

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 a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help 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 attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.