The No. 1 Question Everybody Working In Fireplace Surrounds Should Know How To Answer
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm 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're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the 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 a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.