20 Questions You Should Always ASK ABOUT Fireplace Surrounds Before You Purchase 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 a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can choose from a variety of stones for your tabletop fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers 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 space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp when the electric fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is 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 is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace inserts opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.