20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern fireplace. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be 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 beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous 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 concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace - navigate here, you'll need to select a color that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace inserts. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have 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 typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.