How Do I Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A 5-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace inserts can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone 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. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches 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 look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize 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 a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their freestanding fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well 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 to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.