Fireplace Surrounds: The Ugly Facts About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, 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 is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and Fireplace Electric set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of 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 deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to 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 instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces shop - mouse click the next page,. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. 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 surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for 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 help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, fireplaces Shop you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.