How To Resolve Issues With Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, 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 a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall fires that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned 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 your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.