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 style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also 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 complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or ethanol fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. marble fireplaces wood (https://free-Cdn.fastpixel.io/fp/ret_wait V_fa06 q_lossy to_webp/Https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/) work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or Fire accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice 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 wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall fires feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.