The Most Hilarious Complaints We ve Been Hearing About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong 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.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your freestanding fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the ethonal fire (simply click the next document) has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, fireplace inserts which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.