24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall fires. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace insert surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

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 popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white fireplace. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.