Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can give your living room personality. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be crafted using a range of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look or left unfinished to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors, so it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine working with a professional and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace, Find Out More, surround, as 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 are planning to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire room. It's not only visually appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to match any style or decor.
The right material is essential to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This makes the frame appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of rubber drawer lining under the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from moving as you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material for your leaning frame surround and frame, you can begin making the actual piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board and into a nail. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from damage from heat and reflect heat into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space has an all-black firebox with white fireplace marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it is a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also blends to the dark hues of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It has an elegant and contemporary look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a variety of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.
It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To avoid a bioethanol fire spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and may also vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable option.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.
For those of you who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you create your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build the horizontal pilasters, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built then you can place your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential that you follow the local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to attach the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.