A Delightful Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood 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 to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble cheap fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired 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 also 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 can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, fireplace suite (https://fireplacesstovesuk45531.azzablog.com) you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.