Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living room and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom 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 the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be made from many different materials and designed to fit a variety of design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to consider the design and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more modern style or left untreated to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It comes in a variety of designs and colors, so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting however it's much simpler than you think when you collaborate with a professional and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace (you can check here) surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly errors.
If you are planning to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the label, or you can inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire room. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also has a functional function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.
The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice due to its durability, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds that give you the possibility of making an original shape.
When designing your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you are planning to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding an oak board at the bottom to help keep it in position. It can also reduce the weight and stop the object from shifting while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough 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 role. They protect walls from heat damage and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an attraction in a room. Metal and wood are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
The fireplace in this modern living space features an all-black firebox with white fireplace marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more attention than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings together the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive design.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to a curved profile. It creates a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a variety of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.
It is essential to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent a electric fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. The pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes that allow you to blend them into 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 with the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the local fire code 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 it is held in the correct position.