Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in a room and it can add warmth and charm. It can be constructed from many different materials and designed to fit various styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperature making it a good option for a border.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern style or left untreated to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It is also available in a range of patterns and colors making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be possible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you prepare and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is strong enough.
It's recommended to consult with an expert when building a fireplace surround out of marble because it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace stove surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the label or inquire with an employee at an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the whole space. It's not only meant to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.
The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's usually placed into a mold which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects, such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the object from moving as you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a sander to cut cleats at each of these marks. Ensure that the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a room. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible areas or simply to improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design feature to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It has a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any style of decor. wooden fireplaces surrounds are less heavy and more economical than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be affixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.
When choosing a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on what type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without the expense of the services of carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. This can be stained in the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.
There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows how to build a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in place.