Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere 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 the focal point of a room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to suit different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget before deciding on a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more modern style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace (more helpful hints) surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.
If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be much easier than you think if you prepare 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 can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the label or you can inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire room. It's not only visually pleasing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.
The right material is essential to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and colour. Concrete is usually placed into a mold which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall fireplace with the dimensions for your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Screw the brackets on the wall fireplace. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board and then into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect heat back into the room, and can make a fire more of the focal point of the space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace inserts surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a contemporary living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design aspect to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive design.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing nearly limitless designs. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It creates modern and sleek appearance 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 colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and Electric Firesuite vases.
Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.
It is crucial to take into account the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs matched with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.
Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's an affordable way to get the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.
Another kind of fire surround made of wood is one that has been handcrafted from high-quality oak. It can be stained to the light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
For those who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you to make your own wood fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built, you can install your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the local fire code 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.