A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

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

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for fireplaces Electric your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great 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. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

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

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace (linked site), you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.