The Ugly Reality About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would 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 hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong 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.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally 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, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps 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 most suitable match for your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace (just click the following internet page) you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in 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 keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall fireplace feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.