A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace insert surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for ethonal fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. 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 install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety 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-designed gas fireplace stove. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. 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 would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.