A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can 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 when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces shop. 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 surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to 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 aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces wood that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace electric surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

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

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm 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 not further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.