The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning ethanol fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of wood fireplace (My Page) surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming 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 a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements 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 like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.