Fireplace Surround
A fireplace surround is a structure that covers the outside walls of your fireplace. The surround serves not only as a functional piece, but can also serve as a decorative one. The functional part is that it serves as a barrier for fire protection. Surrounds are available in various shapes, materials and sizes. You can choose from a plethora of fireplace surround designs. Here we will highlight some of the surrounds you may choose for your fireplace.
A wood fireplace surround can create a warm ambience that complements that of the fire. Types of wood you may use for the surround, include, but are not limited to, oak, birch, pine, cherry and maple. Although woods vary in softness, wood is a softer material to work with than most stone. This allows the wood to easily be carved to the shape and with the details that you desire.
A marble fireplace surround is another option. Marble looks exquisite. Marble is costly, not only due to the material itself, but because of the installation costs. It’s not the easiest material to work with. If natural marble is out of the budget you have set for your surround, but it is the look you desire, consider cultured or man made marble. It can provide the luxurious look you desire, is much less costly and much easier to work with. Natural marble will have more inconsistencies that make in unique, while cultured will look very uniform throughout.
Yet another option would be a tile fireplace surround. Tile comes in all sorts of colors and patterns. Certainly there is a tile that fits your specific style. Tile can also be fairly easily installed. If you felt up to the task, you could likely do it yourself. Tile is a relatively easy way to update an existing surround. If you are unhappy with your existing surround, you could remove it and replace it with tile.
Another way to update an existing surround is to paint or stain it. Maybe you have a brick surround that you feel is outdated. Try painting the brick to give it a more updated look, and better match the your style.
Whether building and installing a fireplace surround yourself, or purchasing one already assembled and having someone else install it for you, don’t forget to consider the size of your fireplace. If you are building and installing the surround yourself this will affect how much material you will need. Also, if you were purchasing the complete surround, you would hate to get it home and not have it fit your fireplace, or the space in the room.
A fireplace surround will not only give added safety, but a personal touch to a fireplace. Do not overlook the important of choosing your fireplaces surround.