How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A 5-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace suites surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as 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, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or ethonal fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces - read the article, work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many 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. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the bioethanol fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or 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 advise you on this.