9 Things Your Parents Teach You 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 make or break the room. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a ethanol fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink 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 comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements 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 look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone fireplaces that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces shop. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.