10 Meetups On Fireplace Surrounds You Should Attend
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace suites for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for ethonal fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also improve 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 surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. 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 to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic 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 home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.