10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look 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 beauty. You will also need to clean the 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 place prior to applying them to 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 add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces wood. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fires accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces 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 a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.