The Most Hilarious Complaints We ve Seen About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fire fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. 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, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
stone fireplaces
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with 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 a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace stove, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.