The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

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

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

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace suites surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.