A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements 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 modern. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding 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 warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace suite. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.