A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated 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 for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace suite surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their tabletop fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces shop [like it] using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design 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 often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.