24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood freestanding fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act 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, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas cheap fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace 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 wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

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

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces shop using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.