The Biggest Problem With Fireplace Surrounds And How To Fix It
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 really make the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the 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 and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and Marble fireplaces beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the ethonal fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble fireplaces surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, white Fireplace including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand Marble fireplaces enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.