Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can make your living space more unique. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point for a room, and can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted from a wide selection of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the style and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a 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 material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a classic appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can be molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine if you work with professionals and plan ahead.
It's recommended to seek out an expert before building a fireplace surround out of marble because it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning on using tiles for your fireplace surround, ensure it's rated for high-temperature applications. This information is typically found on the packaging or ask a staff member at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect 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 material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help reduce the weight and stop the item from moving while you sip your cup of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats at each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace insert more of an attraction in a space. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look complete.
This fireplace suites is a modern living space with a black surround and white fireplace marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel, but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to surround electric fireplaces. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing nearly limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved shape which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.
It is important to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.
Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. This can be stained in the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two different 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 help you create your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The guide explains how to construct the horizontal part of the ethanol fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials, it is important that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in place.