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

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options 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 difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces wood are an excellent alternative to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

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 combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to 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 to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.