10 Tell-Tale Symptoms You Must Know To Get A New Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat 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, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace insert made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the 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, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for electric fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance 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 to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.