The Biggest Problem With Fireplace Surrounds And How To Fix It

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

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

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or ethonal fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace stove into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must 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 be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is 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 a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.