Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will make your living space more unique. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a challenge.
These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be an important focal point in rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It can be constructed from various materials and designed to fit various styles of design. It is essential to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a broad range of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures making it a good choice for a surround.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a modern appearance or left unfinished to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It is available in many patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.
If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much simpler than you think if you work with an expert and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're going to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. This information is typically found on the package, or you can ask an employee in a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat away from the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to match any style or design.
Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in a mold to give you the possibility of making unique shapes.
Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a sander to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They shield walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a
fireplace insert that is a focal point in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
The fireplace in this modern living space has an all-black firebox with
white fireplace marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover
fireplaces wood. It can be cut into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It has an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a wide range of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Certain
wood fireplace surrounds come with a faceplate which covers the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes require minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different types of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with pine or oak mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.
A lot of people choose to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from high-quality oak. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or
wood fireplaces. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding to cover up any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is essential to adhere to the local
ethanol fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.
