The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace stove surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fires.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install a marble fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand fires smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing 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 possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your tabletop fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.