A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be 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 also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown 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's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as 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 fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean 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 natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well 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 to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, Marble fireplaces which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for cheap fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, fireplace (boomservicestaffing.Com) then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.