The Most Sour Advice We ve Ever Heard About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall fires. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace 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 surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in 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 are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace suites. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent 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 amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the ethanol fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.