10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, 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 since it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone 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 regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the ethanol fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the 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, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add 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 wood. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fires focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past 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 need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.