A Provocative Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. fireplaces wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on ethonal fire - similar internet page - hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces shop. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces electric. It's 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 clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is 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 cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel 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 for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces wooden.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available 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 some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.