24 Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense 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 fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox 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 suite surround is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for 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 beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the 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 certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their ethanol fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to 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 customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.