9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For instance some ethanol fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood Fireplaces Electric. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace suites into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important 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 up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand electric fires (My Home Page) the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the 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 choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
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 extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.