11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and Fireplaces Wooden back panels. They are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fireplace focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.