A Relevant Rant About 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 really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won'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 popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.