The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper 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 range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down 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 an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any Ethanol fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces wooden. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.