The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of ethanol fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it 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 air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, freestanding Fireplace (stay with me) for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplaces (Campingbabble.com) fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks 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. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces wooden.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.