9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. 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 surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for fireplaces Wood your style.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in 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 a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood fireplace, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some fireplace electric surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from 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.