Don t Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by electric fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. 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 resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create 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 is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
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 most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.