How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which would 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 wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match 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 set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the ethanol fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback 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 trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or ethonal fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace stove into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a variety 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 resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful 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 for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.