It s The Ugly Facts About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for ethanol fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at more money.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace (fireplaces-and-stoves-uk00875.blogdeazar.Com), be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring bioethanol fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel 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. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.