The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden Fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are 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.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant 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, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone fireplaces can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean 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 provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace electric surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.