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 room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break 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 hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage 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.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for wall fireplace safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace suites surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original 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 temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace inserts surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of 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. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble ethanol fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage 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 match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even 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 install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, 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 is safe from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.