The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Seen About Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
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 various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes 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 won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold 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 stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor here designs. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over 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 further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.