The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat 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 has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great 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 wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces - click this over here now,.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.
