20 Questions You Must Always Ask About Fireplace Surrounds Before Buying It
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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 electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. 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. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to 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 material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must 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 has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A fire places metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from 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 help you on this.