What's The Ugly Real Truth Of Fireplace Surrounds
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 appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense, 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 damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range 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 make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral Fireplaces & Stoves tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in 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 to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.