11 Ways To Destroy Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall fireplace.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns 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 work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace insert it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined 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.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly 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 non-glaring place prior to applying them to 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 option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

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