The Most Hilarious Complaints We ve Seen About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall fires (Dontpayfull explains) that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace suite surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and electric Fires back panels included. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
stone fireplaces
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's 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 concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor designs. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on 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 option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from 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 surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.