The No. #1 Question That Everyone In Fireplace Surrounds Should Be Able Answer
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular 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, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with 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 sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone here is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why 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 chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as 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 more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.