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, the perfect surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and Marble fireplace styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and marble fireplace these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces shop. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

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

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose 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 style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled 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 look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace stove.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.