24 Hours To Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the ethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.