11 Ways To Destroy Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall fires. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood 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 from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom ethanol fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic 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 from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm 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 located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.