10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the 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 style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on a single wall fires in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and Wood fireplace can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel ethanol fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

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

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