9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy 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 helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace suites on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces shop. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.