How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace stove with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, cheap Fireplaces such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use 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 for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option 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 used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
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, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.