A Delightful Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn’t always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it’s essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace’s surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won’t change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you’re sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the 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 such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great 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 a stunning accent in any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it’s important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you’ll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.