A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some electric fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and stone Fireplaces beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured 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 additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.