Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will make your living space more unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within a room and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made of many different materials and crafted to match various styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget before choosing a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It's also available in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be much simpler than you think if you work with a professional and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform an area. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.
The right choice of material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds to allow you to choose the option of creating a unique shape.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This will make the frame appear deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall fires or on the shelf. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in position. It can also reduce the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative role. They shield walls from damage from heat, reflect some of the heat into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in an area. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it is a striking and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless design options. This concrete surround was shaped into a curved shape. It creates a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds include a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options available for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
A lot of people choose to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the look they want without the expense of the services of carpenters. The pre-made pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fires. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.
For those of you who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials online that can help you create your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are built you can put up your mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material, it is important to adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in place.