10 Meetups About Fireplace Surrounds You Should Attend
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood fireplace are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone fireplaces surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your tabletop fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the ethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its 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. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style 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 smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.