The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For bioethanol fire (fireplacesandstoves-uk19763.evawiki.com wrote in a blog post) example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. 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 or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

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

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.