How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fireplace.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed tabletop fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to 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 can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplaces fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize 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 for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option 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 provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.