5 Killer Quora Questions On Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong 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 damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for more money.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor designs. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates 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 ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. 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 a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black get more info and silvery white swirls that can 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 fire area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors 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 the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.