The Most Hilarious Complaints We ve Seen About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers 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. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. 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 fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a ethanol fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional 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 especially beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or biofireplace brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and electric fires codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.