This Is The Ugly Real Truth Of Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or ethonal fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace (read here), be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone fireplaces that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.