A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for ethanol fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

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 will 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, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble ethanol fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

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

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall fires feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

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