Fireplace Surrounds: The Ugly Truth About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. fireplacesandstoves Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to 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 complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, 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 space.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed 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 when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.