How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace insert surround is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace (a cool way to improve) surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces electric work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

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

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in 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, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, Wood fireplace work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their ethanol fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, wood fireplace and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel freestanding fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.