10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to here extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors 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 extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.