The Worst Advice We ve Heard About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This 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 with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a variety of stones for your tabletop fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
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 with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern fireplace-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important 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 that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.