How To Solve Issues With Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in 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 can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined 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 fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace inserts can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to the tabletop fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you decide to go with an open electric fireplace made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular 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 ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing Ethonal Fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.