The 10 Most Terrifying Things About 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 regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might 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 a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.