Fireplace Surrounds: The Ugly Facts About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace electric. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace stove. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial 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 appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for electric fireplaces (look at more info) a classic appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces electric.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.