The Biggest Problem With Fireplace Surrounds And How You Can Resolve It

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall fireplace. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

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

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for british fires fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come 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 type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.