11 Ways To Destroy Your 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. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace insert surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The 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 is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your freestanding fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall fireplace focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is 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 can be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.