10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since 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 in the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for Marble fireplaces garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and Marble fireplaces 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 such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace insert surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or ethonal fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to 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 impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes 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 not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.