9 . What Your Parents Taught You 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 an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great choice for 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 fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces electric. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size 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 opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.