9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall fires. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace insert surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement 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 that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely 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 causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.