10 Tell-Tale Signals You Should Know To Find A New Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fires fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a bioethanol fire hazard or health hazard.
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 the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered cheap fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.