5 Laws That Can Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces (Http://metal-credit.com/). It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design 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 to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled ethanol fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and Fireplaces electric finishes. Some fireplace stove surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the 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 isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.