10 Real Reasons People Dislike Fireplace Surrounds Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric wall mounted fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line 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 to build free standing fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming 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 result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of 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. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall mounted fireplace electric feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, Wall mounted fireplace electric which can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.