Do Not Believe In These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for Fireplace your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace suites surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches 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 style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace - see post,, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone fireplaces that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could 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 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 nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.