The Biggest Issue With Fireplace Surrounds And How You Can Fix It

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces wood. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for fireplaces combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.