10 Reasons Why People Hate Fireplace Surrounds Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing freestanding fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate 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 certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great 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 tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces wood. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful 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's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.