11 Methods To Totally Defeat Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

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 budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. 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 from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors 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 will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your tabletop fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for electric fires (wdpack.kr) some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace inserts surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

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

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.