The Ultimate Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. fireplace wall mount can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where 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 and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.