How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A Five-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of 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 an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood fireplaces is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble fireplaces. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range 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 resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually 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 dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.