The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several DIY and Stone Fireplaces home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
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 safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to a Stone Fireplaces (Http://Wp10476777.Server-He.De/Ej/Wordpress/Jobs-In-Christlichen-Unternehmen/Fireplaces-And-Stove) fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces wood. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone 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 abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your ethanol fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.