A Delightful Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall fireplace that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They 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.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace (linked site), you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any ethanol fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last 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 a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not 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, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.