How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A 5-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, Marble fireplaces and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. marble fireplaces (Highly recommended Internet site) are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean 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 another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed 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.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.