This Week s Most Remarkable Stories About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, Marble fireplaces based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, 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 create an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace 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 finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace (research by the staff of fer.kgbinternet.com) be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
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 it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.