5 Killer Quora Questions On Fireplace Surrounds
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 fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace suites surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning electric fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace inserts made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.