11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fires.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial 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 and elegant material that can transform any fireplace suites into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing 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 become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. 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 another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

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

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

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 safe from the ethanol fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.