This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. get more info The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.