A Look At The Ugly Truth 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 regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that can fit into 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 because it provides a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. marble fireplace fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor designs. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel tabletop fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for ethanol fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as 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 the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.