Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from 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 prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be combined 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 an ideal option for a border.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be much easier than you think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace (click to investigate) surround 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 tile for a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in a mold to allow you to choose the possibility of making a unique shape.
When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the frame appear more curated rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It will also lessen the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start making the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats at each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is a focal point in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds are required by building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has a black firebox surround with white fireplace marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround has been designed into a curved shape, creating an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.
It is crucial to consider the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's an affordable way to get the look they desire without hiring a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted constructed from top quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood ethanol fires. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The guide explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built then you can place your mantel. Finally, the tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in the correct position.