10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. 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.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace suite surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace electric into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as 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 some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain freestanding fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.