The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall 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 wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping 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 and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options 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 house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for Fireplaces wood - fireplacesandstove.com -. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. 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.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as 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 is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.
