How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A 5-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 room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid 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 can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without 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 crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.