How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for 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 wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for ethanol fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the bioethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern fireplace-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could 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 located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.