A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone fireplaces that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on a single wall fires in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some 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 space. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.