10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace insert can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, marble fireplace (site) which means it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas electric fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can 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 can last for centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.