10 Reasons Why People Hate Fireplace Surrounds Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace electric, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood fireplaces that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, 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 could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit 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 a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

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

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.