How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
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 room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace (Milkmanbook writes) surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, 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 damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace suites surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces wooden. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and 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 are an excellent option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for Wood Fireplace neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.