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 transform the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern fireplace, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace inserts can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like pots 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 install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could 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 help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.