The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Received About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely 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 wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace suite surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. 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, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble fireplaces is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. 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 area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. 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 look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.