24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing 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 choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone fireplaces. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble ethanol fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

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 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 rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the ethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety 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 extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace insert.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might 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 help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.