24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. marble fireplace is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces wood that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.