A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace inserts surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become 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 risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. marble fireplaces; Highly recommended Webpage, are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white fireplace 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 that wraps for several feet around the frame of a electric fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.