9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace inserts can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
stone fireplaces
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (visit the next website) work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.
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 looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace inserts space can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to 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 is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.