5 Laws To Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into 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 because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or warp 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 myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface 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 selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.