The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage 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 can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a electric fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as 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 comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the bioethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and biofireplace (look at this site) can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.