Expert Advice On Fireplace Surrounds From An Older Five-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall fireplace while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplace fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring ethonal fire (simply click the up coming document), and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your freestanding fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.