5 Laws To Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. 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.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The 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 create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern fireplace gas fireplaces electric. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace stove is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces wooden that run on 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 finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace insert opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.