Sage Advice About Fireplace Surrounds From The Age Of Five
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace suite surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications 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 authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white fireplace. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very 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 many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel ethanol fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance 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 are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.