24 Hours To Improving Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang 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 wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the ethanol 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 wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood fireplaces-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern fireplace design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.