11 Methods To Totally Defeat Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as 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. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need 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 an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean 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 that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace insert and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.