24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect 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 a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first 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 a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. on the wall fireplace will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.