10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and Marble Fireplaces breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood fireplaces is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces shop. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for cheap fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.