10 Quick Tips For Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability 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 surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble cheap fireplaces (editorial.urosario.edu.Co) work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the ethonal fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure 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 be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and Cheap Fireplaces regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.