If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, 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 creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor designs. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's 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 around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color www.fireplacesandstoves.uk scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.
