5 Killer Qora s Answers To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood fireplaces are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for 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.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to bioethanol fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match 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 is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the ethonal fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the 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 wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.