A Positive Rant Concerning Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A cheap fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful option for open floor plans. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design 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 ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed 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 regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for Cheapest Fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.