11 Strategies To Completely Defy Your 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 easy.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace (Highly recommended Reading) surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. 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.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by ethonal fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone 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 considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose 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 appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas ethanol fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning 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 look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or freestanding fireplace breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

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 can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces wood.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will 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 good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.