9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. 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, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white fireplace, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace suite surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace suites surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.