The Biggest Issue With Fireplace Surrounds And How You Can Resolve It
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fires fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces wood. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces (Ozgurtasdemir.net).
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and ethanol fireplace brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.