Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using
fireplaces wooden for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can give your living space a unique. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It can be crafted using a selection of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget prior to deciding on a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a wide range of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a
fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It also comes in a range of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're going to use tile for your
ethanol fireplace's surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform the look of a room. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall behind the fire place from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable for any style or decor.
Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent the object from moving as you sip your cup of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material for your leaning frame surround then it's time to begin making the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot longer than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage from heat and also reflect some of the heat into the space and make a fireplace the focal point of an area. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive design.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It gives a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a wide range of textures and colors to match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for
fireplaces. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
It is important to take into account the height of your fireplace when selecting the wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and can vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to achieve the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also a popular choice. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.
For those of you who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will help you create your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding that will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.
