Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living area, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is an important focal point in a room, and can bring warmth and charm. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to suit different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to think about the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a modern look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It is available in many patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be easier than you might think if you prepare and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.
It's also a good idea to consult with an expert when making a fireplace surround of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the label or ask an employee in a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just visually appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted to fit any style or design.
The right material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. Concrete is usually placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This will make the frame appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding an oak board at the bottom to help keep it in position. It can also help reduce the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material for your frame's leaning frame then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and into the wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls against damage from heat and reflect heat into the room, and can make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in the space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
The fireplace in this modern living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also blends to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be cut into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile giving it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, that is available in a wide range of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
It is essential to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of fire into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. The pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety of finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made of high-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 the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.
If you have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials available online to help you to make your own wood fire surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel. Finally, the tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and make sure that it stays in place after the surround is set.