There's Enough! 15 Things About Fireplace Surrounds We're Tired Of Hearing
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for 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 can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose 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 like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and fireplacesandstovesuk chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.