5 Laws To Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace suites surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by ethanol fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and Wooden Fireplaces accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.