10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing freestanding fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Marble Fireplaces Design Style
If you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great 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, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends 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 your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from 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 looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.