The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much 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.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if read more you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.