How To Solve Issues With Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit 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 fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood fireplaces burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning 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 non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior fireplaces wood durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.