A Look At The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace inserts can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall fireplace, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or ethonal fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

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

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

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

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.