A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme 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 safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range 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 be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.