Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is safe and complies with the code.
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 an important focal point in the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be made from various materials and designed to suit different styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperatures making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look, or left untouched to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It is also available in a range of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. It may seem like a daunting task but it's more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with an expert and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire room. It's not only visually pleasing, but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall behind the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the space. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
The right material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into a mold to allow you to choose the possibility of making unique shapes.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear curated and intentional rather than being thrown randomly on the shelf or wall. If you intend to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also help reduce the weight and stop the object from moving as you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin making the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board, and into the nail. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They shield walls from damage from heat and also reflect some of the heat back into the room and make a fireplace a focal piece in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more maintenance than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and wood fireplaces flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile giving it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
It is essential to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when selecting the wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a traditional look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a cheap fireplaces - by Xrea - and simple option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or Fireplace suite wood burning fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.
If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will help you to make your own fire surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.
The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are completed you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
It is essential 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 from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in place.