A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits 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 wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary 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, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble freestanding fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available 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 with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white fireplace, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.