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 home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since 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 for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

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

The most popular type of tabletop fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically 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 commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

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 pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and fireplace Inserts more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaning products 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 a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces shop. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from 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. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely 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 the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces electric using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.