The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace stove can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces shop - c-experto.ru published a blog post -. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.