10 Fireplace Surrounds Meetups You Should Attend
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is in accordance with the bioethanol fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between various shades, Fireplace Stove patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a stone freestanding fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing bioethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond 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, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.