The Biggest Problem With Fireplace Surrounds And What You Can Do To Fix It

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have your freestanding fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with 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. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a bioethanol fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the ethonal Fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

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 up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and Cheap fireplaces chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.