24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. 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 crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of Wood fireplace (Newtech.by) surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace insert surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace electric surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone 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 decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, white Fireplace marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.