How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood 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 damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a ethonal fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for 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 fireplace-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, 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.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.