24 Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood 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 is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones 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 can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with 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 the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the Stoves UK size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.