10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, electric Firesuite with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive 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 choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

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

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades 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 be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.