This Is The Ugly Facts About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can 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 beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a more info simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over 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 ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.