A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look 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 fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products 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. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern fireplace-designed gas fireplace. 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 space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.