11 Ways To Destroy Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. 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 popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
stone fireplaces
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap 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 lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping 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 perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive 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. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall fireplace accent in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the 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 prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring bioethanol fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area 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 are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that 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 that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.