20 Questions You Must Always ASK ABOUT Fireplace Surrounds Before Buying It
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and marble Fireplaces non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace electric surround made of stone can be time-consuming and 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 lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in 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 like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for Marble fireplaces the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come 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 rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.