Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, selecting the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It is made using a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many 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 design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look or left unfinished to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat very well. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns so you can create different designs. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine if you work with professionals and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tile for a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the entire room. It's not only visually appealing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall fires surrounding the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.
The right material is essential to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds to give you the possibility of making an original shape.
Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects like lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from moving while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or coffee on your mantel.
After you've decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They shield walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an attraction in a space. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and steel. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look complete.
The fireplace inserts in this contemporary living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall look.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured in place, giving virtually unlimited designs. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
It is important to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and may also 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 classic style. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround because it is an economical way to achieve the style they want without hiring carpenters. Some pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.
Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are finished then you can place 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 a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.