10 Tell-Tale Symptoms You Need To Get A New Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood fireplaces used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble fireplaces. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

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

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

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

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock 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. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is 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 particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

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

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.