Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to pick the right fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted from a wide selection of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It is important to think about the style of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

marble fireplace (Turbocharger wrote in a blog post) surrounds offer a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a very popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match the modern design of a surround.

If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's much easier than you think if you work with an expert and plan ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly errors.

If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire space. 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 away from the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be made to suit any style or decor.

The right material is essential for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects like lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber under the base. This will stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding an oak board at the bottom to keep it in place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent 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 build the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure the top cleat is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from heat damage, reflect some of the heat into the room and make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace stove surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The marble fireplaces is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an overall appearance.

While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, allowing for nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which comes in a wide range of textures and colors to fit into any decor. wooden fireplaces surrounds can come in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses doors for electric fireplaces. This plate can be hung to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. To stop a fire from spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplaces fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top 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 shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are finished then you can place your mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is essential that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in place.