A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. 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 comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, Fireplaces Wood patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace insert into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with 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 deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble tabletop fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

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

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

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 some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style 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 come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.