The Worst Advice We ve Heard About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to a stone electric fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.