How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A 5-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace stove surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace insert with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. 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 tabletop fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces wood using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.