10 Reasons Why People Hate 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 an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in 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 for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas electric fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble cheap fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
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 paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.