24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood 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 easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and fireplaces wooden Electric - Bookmarkcolumn.Com, set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fireplace.
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 and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive 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 a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace suite on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
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 a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to 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 way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. 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 fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.