A Proficient Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial 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. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a fireplace suite that is made of marble you should choose a shade that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for ethanol fireplaces that run on gas.

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

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.