The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace suites. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces, my.gorod48.ru, work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety 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 need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone fireplaces that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall fireplace in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround is 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 using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.