How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, Electric Fireplace or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor wood fireplace from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is 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 well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and wood fireplace can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing bioethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

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, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for ethanol fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could 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 beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.