11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much 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 holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it’s important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add an inviting and rustic appearance 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. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace’s surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace’s surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won’t break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace’s surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you’re going with a marble fireplace, you’ll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include 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 withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It’s rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it’s extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.