About Fireplace Surrounds

The average fireplace is made up of an inner fire box. This is also known as the hearth. It consists of the actual burning area, the fireplace surround and the mantle. While some may view the decorating of the mantle to be the most intrinsic part to its aesthetics, the fireplace surround is just as important. Composed of fire resistant material, the fireplace surround adds an extra design element to the mantle itself. In fact, it accentuates the elegance of the fireplace as a whole.

Identification

The fireplace surround consists of three sides. All sides directly connect to the mantle and the hearth area. While many materials are available to create a desired look, the most notably used materials are limestone, marble, wood, and brick. While the surround is usually a separate entity, there are some manufacturers who construct mantles that are known as full surround mantles.

Considerations

Cracked tiles and crumbling stones can detract from the beauty of your fireplace surround. In this case, you will want to remove the damaged tile or stone. Replace it with new materials. Since most tiles and stones are attached to a surround by a metal framing, it will be necessary to loosen the nuts in order to release them. But once released be prepared to support the frame in its entirety, or you may end up with more damaged tiles than you bargained for. Sometimes repairing instead of replacing is the best bet. Purchasing an enamel based paint that matches the color of the tile can serve as an adequate aesthetic fix.

Prevention/Solution

Due to the build up of ash and soot from a working fireplace, the surround can become an eyesore. In order to keep the fireplace surround in pristine condition, it will be necessary to follow a regular cleaning routine during the colder months, and lighter duty cleaning during the warmer seasons is needed when the fireplace is not used. For more stringent cleanings, baking soda mixed with water to form a paste can be applied with a nylon scrub brush. It can be removed with a wet rag. In between, mild soap and water applied with a rag should suffice.

Benefits

Opt to install a fireplace surround that is separate from the mantle if your tastes sometimes change. This will allow you to make cosmetic changes in the future without having to replace the mantle as well. For instance, if you have recently redecorated the room containing the fireplace, the wood can be removed and replaced with a stone, marble or ceramic tile that will create more of the look that you are interested in.

Warning

When redecorating a room, some homeowners may be inclined to invest in a full surround mantle for their fireplace. While this may seem like a quick fix for an older surround and mantle that is deteriorating, it may not always be the wisest choice. It is important to review the manufacturer's warnings before moving ahead with the purchase. Not all surrounds are created equal, and if you buy one that is strictly to be used for electric fireplaces and not for a traditional one, it can result in a house fire.

Resources

• Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels