10 Tell-Tale Signals You Should Know To Find A New Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. 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 air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace’s surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. 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 decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn’t change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you’re considering a marble fireplace, you’ll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You’ll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. 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 great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it’s also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an solid rock that’s formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you’ll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.