Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living area regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to match different design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room and the budget before deciding on a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that works in many homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a more contemporary style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be simpler than you think if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.
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 intend to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging, or you can ask a staff member at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.
Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in a mold to give you the possibility of making a unique shape.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help to keep it in place. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is required if you need to. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel using bolts for lag (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 useful and decorative function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or they can improve the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is modern living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an attractive appearance.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving virtually unlimited design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It gives a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, including vases and lamps.
Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
It is important to take into account the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood fireplaces. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy option.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it's an economical way to achieve the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. The pre-made wood surrounds are available with a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to make them fit with your existing decor.
Another popular kind of ethonal fire surround made of wood is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are built you can put up your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 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 is held in the proper position.