10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace insert. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important 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 variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for fireplace design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace (similar webpage) you'll need to select a color that complements 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, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace suite surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. 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 style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.