A Provocative Rant 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 regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

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

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to ethanol fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the ethonal fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall fires accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.