How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, 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 can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

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

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes 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 fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the ethanol fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white fireplace and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces wooden that run on 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 texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.