A Good 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 room regardless of whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand Fireplaces Wood high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces wooden work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to 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 timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace; a cool way to improve,, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like 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 a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.