This Is The Ugly Real Truth Of Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fire fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall fires that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors 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 work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white fireplace, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces shop that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.