9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.