The Complete Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace suites surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style, 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 design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and Fireplace Stove non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces shop work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and 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 that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast 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 key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and 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 an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.