5 Laws That'll Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, 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 can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. bioethanol fireplace like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.