A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall fires (www.lyvystream.com published an article). Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces electric. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace suites it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered cheap fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.