Do Not Believe In These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surrounds
From Shiapedia
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong 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 protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and Marble Fireplaces cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (go directly to Services) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for 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 many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, Biofireplace with or without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.
