How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements 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 style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the bioethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used 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 on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces shop using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.