The Biggest Issue With Fireplace Surrounds And How You Can Solve It
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety 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 that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from 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, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a 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 as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. get more info In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different, 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 a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for 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 more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.