Let's Get It Out Of The Way! 15 Things About Fireplace Surrounds We're Tired Of Hearing
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In wall mount electric fireplaces are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
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 trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to 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 add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.