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

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also 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.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise 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 match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely 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 remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.