A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace stove surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble 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 style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone fireplaces option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for 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. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven 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 longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces electric using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.