20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or fireplaces wood (official Wikicommunication blog) wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall fires flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and Biofireplace shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces shop. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. 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 that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace stove. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option 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 variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's 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 causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.