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, choosing the right surround can really make the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which 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 hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after 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 found in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, 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 tabletop fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. 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. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the tabletop fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also 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. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace insert surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.