5 Killer Queora Answers On Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.