A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing fireplace inserts Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. 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, Ethanol Fireplace it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

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

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the 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 ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace inserts surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the 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 would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.