10 Facts About Fireplace Surrounds That Make You Feel Instantly The Best Mood
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice 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 for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on 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. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces Electric. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include 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 can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
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. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even 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.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.