A Proficient Rant Concerning 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 room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. 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 that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
marble fireplaces is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble fireplace. 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 your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood fireplaces. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. 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 is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wood that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.