Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is constructed using a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. 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. It provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a modern style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It is also available in a range of patterns and colors making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much simpler than you think working with professionals and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly mistakes.
If you are planning to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is an excellent choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds to allow you to choose the possibility of making a unique shape.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding a wooden board on the bottom to help keep it in place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you sip your cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Mark the
wall fireplace using the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace an attraction in a space. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look complete.
This fireplace is a contemporary living space with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design feature to the room. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive design.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and then shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It gives modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will complement any style of decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on what type of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine
ethonal fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes, so you can blend them into your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from high-quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of 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.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this complete step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential that you adhere to the
bioethanol fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in the correct position.
