A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for 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 fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm 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 complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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 look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces wooden. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces shop. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the tabletop fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.