10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior 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 types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
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. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or ethonal fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone 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 surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also 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 down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces wooden that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and 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 would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.