10 Quick Tips For 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 room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a 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 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 placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace electric surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the ethanol fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.