A Delightful Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric firesuite (Recommended Web-site) or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, Fireplace Suite or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The 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 fireplace with a stone surround can give 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 can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace electric with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly 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 also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for ethanol fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.