Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace electric for warmth or aesthetics, the best surround will give your living room personality. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a daunting task.

These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made from a wide range of materials and be designed to match different design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to consider the style and the budget of the space.

Marble fireplace electric surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperature, making it a great option for a surround.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look or left unfinished to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.

If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. While it may seem daunting but it can be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and consult with a professional make sure the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid costly errors.

If you intend to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable 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 completely transform the entire 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 damage caused by fire and to reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. 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 give you the option of creating an original shape.

Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start making the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into the nail. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look complete.

This fireplace is a modern living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and then shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It has an elegant and contemporary look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a wide variety of textures and colors to match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Some wood fireplaces surrounds have an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the look of wrought iron.

It is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available with a variety of finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted constructed from top quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.

For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will help you create your own wood fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround from pine.

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

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials, it is important that you adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to secure the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.