How To Resolve Issues With Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so 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 comes in a variety of finishes and Fireplaces Shop colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design 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 swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces electric. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.