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

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and White fireplace aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the ethanol fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements 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 such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.