24 Hours For Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace inserts surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many designs and Wooden Fireplaces themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

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

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for 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.