The Ugly Facts About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace suite surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace electric into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for biofireplace a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. 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 can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.