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Founded Date July 31, 1913
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How To Explain Fireplace Surrounds To A Five-Year-Old
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing 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 modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
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 complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of 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 quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace’s surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you’re planning to install a marble fireplace you’ll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy 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 wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It’s rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.