How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces wooden are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a Ethonal Fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white fireplace. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.