A Productive 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 regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace stove. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, 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 an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage 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 wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace suite with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically 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 choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements 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, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces wood.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots 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 without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.