9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace insert. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a tabletop fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces wooden. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like 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 without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.