How Do You 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 make or break the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround 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 surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is based on ethonal fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high 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 on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.