9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a 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 modern. There are a variety of options for size 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.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on ethanol fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a electric fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding 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 warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with 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 look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on 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 that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for ethanol fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large 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 located 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 plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.