How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you choose to install a marble ethonal fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice 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 otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern fireplace-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

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

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful in reducing 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 ethanol fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them 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 option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.