How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, Electric Fireplace or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood fireplaces surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

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, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the ethanol fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the 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, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces shop. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should 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 when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel ethanol fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also 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.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.