How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning cheap fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to 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 alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall fireplace accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so 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 chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

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

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary 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 is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important 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 extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.