Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning freestanding fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces electric are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the ethonal fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is 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 a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.