10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match 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 placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, fireplaces wood you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or Marble Fireplaces water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for 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 it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.