This Week s Top Stories About Fireplace Surrounds Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much 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 be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace suites can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wooden. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. 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 difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns 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 the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and fireplaces electric firesuite (why not find out more) sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes 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 need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to 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 spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider 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 that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.