11 Methods To Redesign Completely Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace insert can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong thick 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.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available 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 an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your tabletop fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you suggestions on this.