9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. 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.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, 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.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually 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 buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace suites with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone fireplaces option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace (blog post from avr220v.ru) surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white fireplace swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out 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 durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction 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 tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option 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 important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.