How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning ethanol fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall fireplace which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for 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 be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace (official directorylinks2u.com blog) it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is 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.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades 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 can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes 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 fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your ethanol fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm 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 located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.