The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall fires flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can 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 important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
marble fireplace
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful option for open floor plans. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the 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 look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, ethanol fire you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.
