The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone fireplaces. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or ethonal fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes 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 going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a Marble fireplace (https://bookmarketmaven.com/), be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is 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 holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.