How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on ethonal fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace inserts can help you sell your house faster and at an increased 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 will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace insert into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to 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 natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fires feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.