A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric ethanol fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fires.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. marble fireplaces (http://116.203.108.165:3000/fireplacesandstove7833/fireplaces-Shop1994/wiki/10-Wrong-Answers-For-Common-Fireplace-Questions-Do-You-Know-The-Right-Ones?) work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone fireplaces option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall fires feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.