The Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions 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.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns 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 an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace insert made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the bioethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. 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 room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to 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 clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.