The Complete Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add an inviting and rustic style 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 well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp 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. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux 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, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors 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-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the Fireplaces And Stoves majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.