24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and Marble fireplaces garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from modern fireplace to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, electric firesuite swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. 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. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. 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 give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for Marble fireplaces a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired 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, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

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 able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from 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 features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. 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 is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for ethanol fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.