24 Hours For Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace stove surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, 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 protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone 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 complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone fireplaces is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a ethonal fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

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

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.