10 Reasons Why People Hate Fireplace Surrounds. Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

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

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and Ethanol Fire stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options 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.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fireplace fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional 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 regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and Fireplaces Wood can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.