24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern fireplace. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design 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 ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace (http://bella32.ru/bitrix/rk.php?Goto=https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk), be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the electric fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help 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 would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.