Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as 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 in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide 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.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace suite opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.
