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 appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. 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 has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (published on bookmark-dofollow.com) are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the bioethanol fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for cheap fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.