The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood ethanol fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time 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 an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace; his comment is here,, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
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, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wood that run on gas.
Steel fireplace inserts surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.