13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Known
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or ethanol fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces shop work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.