Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living room, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with
marble fireplaces Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be made from various materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design it is essential to think about the style and the budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a broad variety of styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a border.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting however it's much simpler than you think when you collaborate with professionals and prepare ahead.
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 intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the label, or you can ask an employee in a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire space. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to suit any style or design.
The right material to use for the frame's leaning surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear curated and intentional instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be risky, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each line. Make sure the top cleat is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the
wall fires. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into the nail. Pre-drilling the screw holes is necessary if needed. After that, temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with the 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 a functional function. They shield walls from heat damage and reflect heat back into the room and can make a fire more of a focal piece in an area. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living area has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more maintenance than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive design.
Concrete is not just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile giving it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a variety of textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds have an ornamental faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.
It is crucial to take into account the height of your
fireplace stove when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a
Cheap Fireplaces and simple option.
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 a carpenter. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. This can be stained 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 gas or wood burning
fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.
If you have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel itself. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding to cover up any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is essential to adhere to the local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in the proper position.
