10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you choose to install a marble electric fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for bio-Fireplace hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for Fireplaces Wood (Partners.Moodle.Com) that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.