This Is The Ugly The 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 transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall fires which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is essential 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 in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your ethanol fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning Fireplaces Shop. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for ethanol fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative 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 opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.