A Positive Rant Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace (fapset.com) surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

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

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns 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 original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces wooden make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the Bioethanol Fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white fireplace swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a bioethanol fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even 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 ethanol fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.