9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set 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.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches 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 time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your freestanding fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements 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 sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall fires in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, fireplace consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace (https://Www.geomaticsaustralia.com/companies/fireplaces-and-stove/) surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like 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 install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.