The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid 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 helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level 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 will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall fires in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for 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 ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.