The Worst Advice We've Heard About Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. 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 is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates 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 are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that www.fireplacesandstoves.uk the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.