The Ugly The Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by bioethanol fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are 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 comfortable with 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's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.