10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate 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 home regardless of whether you have electric Firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning cheap fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace 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 ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.