A Look At The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white fireplace. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.