24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall fireplace. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (https://socialaffluent.com/story3598705/wood-burner-fireplace-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of 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 found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products 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 constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace insert surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.