12 Facts About Fireplace Surrounds To Refresh Your Eyes At The Water Cooler
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size 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 popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as 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 safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for 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 lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible 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. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on 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 a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look 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 fireplacesandstoves.uk for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.