A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood tabletop fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
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 the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble 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 sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces wood (mouse click the next site) using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and Ethanol fires is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.