How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and fireplace insert joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the ethonal fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white fireplace swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.