A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround 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 the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. 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 heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. 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 room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white fireplace, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.