24 Hours For Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace (lowest price) it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional 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 clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas ethanol fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. 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 look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space 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 come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace suites.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.