Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplaces fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need 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 look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with 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 keep its elegance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over 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 ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.