The Comprehensive Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and fireplace stove damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as 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 (https://bookmarkplaces.Com/story18166539/buzzwords-de-buzzed-10-other-methods-for-saying-wall-mounted-fireplace), be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall fires feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes 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 fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your ethanol fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.