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, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

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 because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, fireplaces electric as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces electric work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the 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 swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.