24 Hours To Improve 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 electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. 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 available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must 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 the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

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

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A electric fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.