20 Questions You Should To Ask About Fireplace Surrounds Before Buying It
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. free standing fireplace , for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. 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 keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.