The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing freestanding fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is crucial 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 fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
stone fireplaces surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design 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 sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble fireplaces cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
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, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. 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 that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.