A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

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 because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace electric surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must 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 or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone fireplaces that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

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

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.