Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can give your living room personality. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a daunting task.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted using a range of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is essential to consider the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
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 contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around ethanol fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.
If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. It may seem like a daunting task but it's more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with professionals and plan ahead.
It's also a good idea to speak with an expert when making a fireplace surround of marble, 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 are planning to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging, or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose 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's available in various materials and can be customized to fit any style or decor.
The right choice of material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. Concrete is typically poured into molds that allow you to choose the possibility of making unique shapes.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you plan to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding an oak board at the bottom to keep it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
Once you've decided on the material for your leaning frame surround and frame, you can begin building the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot longer than the shelf.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is recommended if required. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and steel. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
This fireplace is modern living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also blends in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It gives an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.
It is crucial to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a cheap fireplaces and simple alternative.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive method of getting the style they desire without the expense of the services of carpenters. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood electric fireplaces (click through the following document). It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.
There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.
The tutorial will show you how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall fires's cladding and the surrounding wall.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material it is essential that you 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 attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in the correct position.