24 Hours To Improving Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace electric surround made of stone fireplaces can be difficult and time-consuming 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 that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.
If you're going with a fireplace inserts made of marble, Fireplace you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any ethanol fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place 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 ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.