14 Businesses Doing A Great Job At Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is 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 create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace insert on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design 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 deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area 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 variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety 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 not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.