Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles 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.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with 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 popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston Fireplaces UK are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to 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 option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.