5 Laws That Can Benefit The Fireplace Surrounds Industry
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and Electric Fires set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and 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 spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors 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 extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent 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. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.