The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace [www.Fireplacesandstoves.uk] it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give 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 you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where 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 does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.
