20 Questions You Should Always Have To Ask About Fireplace Surrounds Before You Buy Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, ethonal Fire or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically 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 selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning 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, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or ethanol fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design 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 featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces (hauser-pope-2.Technetbloggers.de). Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood fireplaces can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring ethanol fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.