How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, 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 is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

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

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace stove surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.