11 Strategies To Refresh Your 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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace suite surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

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

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

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

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, 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 can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

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

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, freestanding Fireplace which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.