The Advanced Guide To Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
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 fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's 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 creates a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and 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 selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
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 selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
Stove UK In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough 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 keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up 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 brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.