Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for Cheap fireplaces; https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk,. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.
