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

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that 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 wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create 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 boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

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

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces wood. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need 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, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can 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 when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array 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 gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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 next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your ethanol fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.