9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. stone fireplaces surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the ethanol fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, biofireplace (go!!) so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need 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 a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install 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'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is 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 beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.