The Biggest Issue With Fireplace Surrounds, And What You Can Do To Fix It
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
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. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the 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 crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area 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 choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm check here its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.