24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which 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.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fireplace.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. 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 commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their freestanding fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or 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.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.