Responsible For The Fireplace Surrounds Budget? 12 Ways To Spend Your Money
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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for 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 wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at 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 codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is 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 avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add 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 have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.