Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living room, whether you use it for warmth or for aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is safe and in line with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in a room and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be crafted with a range of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult 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.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you’re going to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it’s suitable for high-temperature uses. You can typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform an area. It’s not just visually pleasing, but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall fireplace surrounding the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.
Selecting the right material for the frame’s leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. If you are planning to display heavy objects like lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
Once you’ve chosen the material for the frame’s leaning surround then it’s time to begin making the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you’re building with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Ensure that the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it is a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive design.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it’s actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving almost endless design options. This concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a variety of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood fireplaces surrounds include faceplates that cover the top of the mantel and houses doors for electric fireplaces. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.
It is important to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options available for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.
A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it’s an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.
Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. This can be stained in the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
For those who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will help you to make your own wood fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround from pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal pilasters, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed then you can place your mantel. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material, it is important that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place after the surround is installed.
