A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as 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 such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. 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 is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern fireplace. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning ethanol fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with 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 endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace insert and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.