5 Laws That Will Help The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would 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 fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood fireplaces surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them 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 option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might 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 does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.