How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for electric Fire (http://openpoetryforum.com/) your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood fireplaces.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to 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 design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
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 enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.