A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since 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 breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to ethonal fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace stove into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance 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 resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.