5 Killer Quora Answers On Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. 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. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your tabletop fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and Marble fireplaces affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and Marble fireplaces non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean 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 another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features 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 formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for cheap fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.