The Sage Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From An Older Five-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and fires wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood freestanding fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble cheap fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.