A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

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

wood fireplaces

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

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

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for ethonal fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

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

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options 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 house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could 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 and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. marble fireplaces (learn the facts here now) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to 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 create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, 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, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

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

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located 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 plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.