A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall Fires. Some 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 recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This 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 can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range 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, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a ethanol fire area can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it 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 the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color wall Fires scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.