A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

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

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. marble fireplaces comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace 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 paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. marble fireplaces can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. 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 however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces electric. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider 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 place can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.