Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use cheap fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will give your living room personality. However, selecting a tabletop fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be made from various materials and designed to fit different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room and the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a broad variety of styles. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature making it a good choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a modern look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors so you can create different design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be possible for DIYers. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience 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 typically found on the packaging, or you can inquire with an employee at an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function, which is to protect 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 can be adapted to fit any style or design.
Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers an appealing visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually put into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding a wooden board on the bottom to keep it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for your frame's leaning frame and frame, you can begin constructing the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into a wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. 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 space. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
The freestanding fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it provides a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will complement 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. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of iron wrought.
When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading to your home, building codes require 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
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.
Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
Another kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
If you have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will help you create your own wood fire surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal part before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built, you can install your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.