24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because 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 can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern fireplace to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood tabletop fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install an elegant 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 paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough 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 surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces wooden. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for ethanol 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 kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.