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 make or break the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, 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 an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood fireplaces for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look 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 show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone fireplaces, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace inserts into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble fireplace is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. marble fireplace is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. 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 causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house 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.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.