The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect 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. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. wall electric fireplace as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option 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.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.