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 or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because 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 more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a bioethanol fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (how you can help) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is 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 combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. marble fireplace can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of 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 a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

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

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.