This Week's Best Stories About 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 make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used 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 the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps 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 an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
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 looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important 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 is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.