10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace insert can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious 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 fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring ethonal fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for cheap fireplaces that run on gas.

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

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no 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 consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.