The Most Hilarious Complaints We ve Received About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood 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 Fireplaces Shop fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout 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 interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall fires feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace electric surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. 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 a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.