It s The Ugly Real Truth Of Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and Fireplace damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. 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 sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of 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 home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fires focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, Freestanding Fireplace as a large surround could 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 safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.