11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fire fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden Fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on ethanol fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces wood. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has 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 igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option 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 like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.