A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood fireplaces is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

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 many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. stone fireplaces surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements 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 house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely 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 remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important 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 located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.