A Proficient Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning 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 is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which 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 hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a Marble Fireplace (Browseyou.Com), you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble ethanol fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can 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 if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood fireplaces-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.