10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, ethanol Fire introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall fires (Click At this website) feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.