5 Laws To Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood fireplaces surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option 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 interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.
There are many types of stone fireplaces that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, Wood Fireplaces helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is 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 makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.