9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size 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.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood fireplaces-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace electric's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to a stone fireplace stove surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to 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 ideal match to your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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 style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. 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. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace (other). Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fireplace feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.