How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fire or modern fireplace wood burning fireplace suite, the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also 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 the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a Marble Fireplace [Coyne-Brinch-4.Blogbright.Net], you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice 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 comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace 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 clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.