10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. 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, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for ethonal fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose 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 made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're considering 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 paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works 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 help with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace electric.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.