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 make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A tabletop fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus 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 that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble fireplace and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (gitea.xingdiancloud.com explains) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.