12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. 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 taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should 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 another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace 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 as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.