Fireplace Surrounds: The Ugly The Truth About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some freestanding fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
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 resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, fireplace it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the bioethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape 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 a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
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 is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.