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

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 home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

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 pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor plans. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect 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 damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider 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 an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence.  wall-mounted fireplace  can provide suggestions on this.