20 Questions You Must Always Ask About Fireplace Surrounds Before Purchasing It
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being 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.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used fireplacesandstoves.uk to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, 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.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own 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 more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases 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 the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.