13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Known
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. 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 essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood freestanding fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (click here to visit Hylistings for free) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains 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 stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. 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 customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.