20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and Fireplace Insert are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a ethonal fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces wooden. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look 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 traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.