11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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 is easily 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 can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for ethanol fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces shop. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone 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 regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood fireplaces trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

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

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.