How Do You Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A Five-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
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 hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with 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 look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet 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 alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace electric. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall fires feature in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.