24 Hours To Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

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

Other types 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 that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period 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 a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace insert surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage 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. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern fireplace to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the 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 surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different 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 with no mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.