13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Known
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid thick 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 guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option 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 resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The fireplacesandstoves type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.