The Worst Advice We've Heard 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 room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang 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 can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious 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 damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace insert can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined 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, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone fireplaces that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed 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 (my latest blog post) feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.