24 Hours For Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace inserts can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace electric surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

marble fireplaces is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice 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 extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard 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 white fireplace, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel freestanding fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.