What's The Ugly Reality About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. 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, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important 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 based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're going with 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 a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the bioethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace inserts is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

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

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.