Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National electric fire Code. They can look great in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround is an important focal point in the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, and designed to suit various styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room and the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature, making it a great option for a border.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat very well. It is available in many patterns and colors which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. This project may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine working with a professional and think ahead.
It's also a good idea to seek out an expert when building a fireplace surround out of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly errors.
If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. This information is typically found on the package or you can inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not only visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
The right material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually placed into a mold giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear more planned rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material you'll use for your leaning frame surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of the surround and then use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls against damage from heat and reflect some of the heat into the space and can make a fireplace a focal piece in an area. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look complete.
This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it provides a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also blends with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape giving it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a wide range of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and can vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional look. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some of the premade surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes, so you can blend them into your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood electric fire surround made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with an oak-like light color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood cheap fireplaces. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.
For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials available online to assist you in creating your own wooden fire surround. One example is this complete step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood fireplace surround from pine.
The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal pilasters, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built you can put up your mantel. Then, the guide will show you how to install the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.