How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

stone fireplaces

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

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

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

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

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood fireplaces to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.