How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A Five-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplaces fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards 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 great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace stove surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace inserts surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall fireplace of the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a freestanding fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety 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 contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.