24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace suites surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to 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 a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace [just click the up coming page], be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces shop. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes 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 are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.