Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living room and can be used for warmth or for aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a challenge.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be made from various materials and designed to suit various styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It comes in a variety of designs and colors, so you can create different design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be much easier than you think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. This information is usually located on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to fit any style or design.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds to give you the option of creating a unique shape.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more planned as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects, such as vases or tabletop fireplace lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or a marble fireplaces surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It will also help reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is required if you need to. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on 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 depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a space. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.

This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It gives a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.

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 less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds include a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of wrought iron.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. To prevent a ethonal fire spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can also change from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak electric fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround because it is an economical way to achieve the style they want without having to hire carpenters. The pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety finishes, so you can blend them into your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.

If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wood fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show how to build a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build the horizontal part before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is constructed from combustible material, it is important that you follow your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to join the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.