10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with 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 a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone fireplaces option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.