A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, 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 as it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable 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 in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for Bio-Fireplace safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. marble fireplaces (by Gnu) work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.