10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches 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 choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for freestanding fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood fireplaces burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, 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 the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have 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 often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and Fireplaces Shop does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.