12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
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 tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for ethonal fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming 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 a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with 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 look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on 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 a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.