A Good Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace electric. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
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 swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace electric surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in 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 like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces wooden.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, 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 and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.