Responsible For A Fireplace Surrounds Budget? 10 Ways To Waste Your Money
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be utilized in 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 is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both 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 air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your 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 in with the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that 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. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal 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.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is read more easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong 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 can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.