10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace suites surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace stove (Read Home ) surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces electric. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces electric work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you decide to go with a marble ethonal fire place you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design 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 an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fires focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.