A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set 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 wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace’s surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won’t break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage 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 could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it’s easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won’t change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you’re sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you’re going with an elegant fireplace, you’ll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design 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 style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it’s important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has 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 derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it’s very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you’ve chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are 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 advise you on this.