A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in 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 fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace suite into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. marble fireplaces is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble fireplaces surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces wood. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. 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 superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces electric that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available 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 you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.