The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional 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 space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, electric Fire scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and fireplaces [fireplacesandstovesuk23333.alltdesign.Com] accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary 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 in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent 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 is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace inserts.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.