No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. marble fireplaces (Fireplacesandstoves post to a company blog) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering an elegant 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 paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has 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. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential 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 further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.
