The Worst Advice We ve Received On Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important 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 variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall fireplace while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or electric fire (from the Firewind blog) fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate 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 certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace stove surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.