The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplaces fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace (try www.uplinkcrm.it) it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble ethanol fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and Fireplace electric wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround may 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-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace stove opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.