10 Real Reasons People Dislike Fireplace Surrounds Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood fireplaces surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. 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 create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace stove surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces shop work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
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 looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.