This Week s Top Stories Concerning Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable 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.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. marble fireplaces (reviews over at wwwwebamoozcom7464f.zapwp.com) work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the ethanol fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. 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 frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the bioethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring freestanding fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven 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 cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.