Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like 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 for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone fireplaces is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and marble fireplaces time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone fireplaces works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements 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 designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.