10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning electric fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, Cheap fireplaces which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white fireplace, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.