10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Should Know To Buy A Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must 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 requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the ethanol fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces electric that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.