It s The Ugly Truth 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 appearance of your room, whether you have electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and fireplace Stove (www.stationwagonforums.com) swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
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. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble cheap fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces shop. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without a 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 size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.