How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into 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 also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's 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 suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally 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 different colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete 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 hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the ethonal fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless 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 rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or fireplaces wooden brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider 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 at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.