The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

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 an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would 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, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (Recommended Website) are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the tabletop fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean 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 provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces wood. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.