24 Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, 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 surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace electric's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wooden. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.
marble fireplace
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, 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 is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
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 looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your tabletop fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.