The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available 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 a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround Fireplaces that spans several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when 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 good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.