11 Ways To Destroy Your 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 appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning ethanol fireplace. Finding a fireplace stove surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, 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 can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to 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 damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace insert surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fires feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. 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 also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces electric that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.