24 Hours For Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall fires [Recommended Reading] that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a tabletop fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to 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 be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace 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. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in 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 use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, 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 a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you suggestions on this.