The Ugly The Truth About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. 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, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. 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 numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. 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 stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

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

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces shop.

Steel ethanol fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range 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 choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

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

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.