10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Get A New Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace stove surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning electric fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place 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's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop that run on gas.
Steel fireplace suite surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.