12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the Fireplace UK market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.