Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area and can be used to provide warmth or aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made from a wide selection of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary design. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces wooden. It is durable and can stand up to heat well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be simpler than you imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tile for an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the package or ask an employee in the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can change the entire space. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace insert from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.
Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it is strong and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear curated and intentional rather than just randomly placed on the wall or shelf. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding fireplaces wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board, and into a wall stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace an attraction in a room. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can improve the appearance of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it is a striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive appearance.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been designed into a curved shape, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds include a faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. 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 a variety of options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic style. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable option.
Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an economical way to achieve the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some of the premade pine surrounds come in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround made of wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal part before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material it is essential that you follow your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.