3 Common Causes For Why Your Fireplace Surrounds Isn't Working (A…

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for shop fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.