How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for Marble fireplaces safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone tabletop fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and fireplace suites colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace insert.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.