How To Resolve Issues With Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. 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 protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with 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 sell your home more quickly and at more money.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble fireplaces. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement 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 keep its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, Fireplace Electric meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor 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 appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe 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 as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.