The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace inserts surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (look these up) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it 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 ideal match for your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style 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 variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace suites is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.