24 Hours To Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood 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 is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace insert. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for ethanol fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace insert surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. 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 opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products available 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 comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace inserts. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array 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 spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.