The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Received About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and biofireplace wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble ethanol fireplaces make a wonderful option for open floor designs. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for Fireplaces wood. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor 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 is useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly 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 brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace insert opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.