5 Laws That Can Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by electric fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the bioethanol fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable 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 to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces wooden. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist 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 that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located 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're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.