How To Solve Issues Related To Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplaces fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace suite surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, biofireplace which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.