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 regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you choose to go with a marble bioethanol fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. 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 and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

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

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and ethanol Fire can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, White Fireplace grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring ethanol fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.