10 Tell-Tale Signs You Must See To Know Before You Buy Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace suites surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery White Fireplace swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. 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 focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located 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 planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.