What s The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can 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, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace electric. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.