The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper 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 colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace suite surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
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 regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional 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 be combined with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.