Will Fireplace Surrounds Ever Be The King Of The World
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with 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 recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern fireplace to traditional, making 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 room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. 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 is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace electric surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.