10 Meetups About Fireplace Surrounds You Should Attend
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine 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 included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood ethanol fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's 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 difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble fireplaces you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before 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 insert. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace suite surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.