10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set to the wall fires flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant 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 types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace inserts surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive 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 interior decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful option for open floor plans. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to go with a marble bioethanol fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and Wall Fires goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.