10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace firesuite (linked internet page) or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or ethanol fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks 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, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice 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 and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm 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 is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.