This Is The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in modern, 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 wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace suite could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom freestanding fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. 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 would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a ethanol fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace suite.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.