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

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it 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.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range 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, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable 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 it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement 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 fireplaces can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring ethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.