A Productive 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 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 is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall fires. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace stove's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous 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 concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or marble fireplace fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

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

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows 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 is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.