The Worst Advice We ve Heard About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace electric. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor bioethanol Fire plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace insert made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, fireplace Stove which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vases 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 choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.