24 Hours To Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces shop. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

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

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and Bioethanol Fire finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with 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 paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.