11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone fireplaces, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select 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 style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has 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 to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, White Fireplace which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ 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 a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.