A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your tabletop fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select 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 a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for cheap fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.