5 Killer Quora Questions On 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, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in 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 many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some freestanding fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace suites's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace electric regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any tabletop fireplace insert (more about Utahsyardsale). It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are 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 provide suggestions on this.