How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
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 home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fireplace.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option 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.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces shop are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or Marble Fireplaces become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design 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 prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for cheap fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.