Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living room regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a difficult task.
These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be the focal point of a room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made with a range of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to consider the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It also comes in a variety of patterns and colors making it a great choice 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.
If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task, this project can actually be simpler than you think if you plan ahead and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're going to use tiles for your fireplace surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall that surrounds the fire place from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It's available in various materials and can be made to suit any style or design.
The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into a mold to allow you to choose the possibility of making an original shape.
Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the shelf or wall. 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 drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and prevent it from moving while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.
After you've selected the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start constructing the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is required if you need to. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using 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 serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls against heat damage and also reflect heat into the space and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in an area. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living area has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete is not just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving virtually unlimited design possibilities. This concrete surround has been designed into a curved profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, that is available in a wide variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold household decorations above the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Certain wood surrounds come with a faceplate which covers the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or metal fireplace surround It is essential to think about the height of your chimney. To prevent a ethonal fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary 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 available for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional style. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone fireplaces legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also choose from oak or Tabletop fireplace pine fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.
Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an economical way to achieve the look they desire without hiring carpenters. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available with a variety of finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
Because a fireplace suite surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in the correct position.