10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for Fireplace Electric a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white fireplace and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your freestanding fireplace is an excellent option 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 like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of 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 kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.