Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the right surround can make your living space more unique. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround is a focal point for a room, and can bring warmth and charm. It is made with a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you think about the style and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It is durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be feasible for DIYers. This project may seem daunting however it's much easier than you think if you work with an expert and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, ensure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire room. It's not just visually pleasing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds to give you the option of creating an original shape.
Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in position. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start 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 line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall fireplace. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They protect walls from damage from heat and also reflect heat back into the room and make a fireplace a focal piece in a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more attention than a mantel made of wood, however it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive appearance.
Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose cheap fireplaces. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker shades 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 can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of iron wrought.
It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.
Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a variety of finishes to match it to your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained to the light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.
If you have a bit more experience with 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 complete step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall fireplace surrounding it.
It is important to follow the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in the proper position.