A Delightful Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fireplace.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage 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 also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

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

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

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 is 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 can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.