How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To Your Grandparents
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, 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 important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's 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 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. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are fireplace tools set cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many 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 should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.