The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Heard About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

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 extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

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

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

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

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 fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.