12 Companies Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace insert surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in 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 style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for ethanol fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas ethanol fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a great 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 is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel 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. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce 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 gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've 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 is different, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could 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 located away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.