20 Things You Should Have To Ask About Fireplace Surrounds Before You Buy Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective 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 difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent 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 fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.