A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace freestanding fireplace wall (relevant resource site) or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall mounted fireplace in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater 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. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.