9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and electric firesuite abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.