Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space and can be used for warmth or for aesthetics. However, selecting the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be made from many different materials and crafted to match different styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperatures making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you prepare and work with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning on using tiles for your fireplace surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire room. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted to fit any style or design.
The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually placed into a mold which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy objects like lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to hold it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and stop the object from shifting while you sip your cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to build the actual piece. First, mark the new wall fireplace with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect heat back into the room and make a fire more of the focal point of an area. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the appearance 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 together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be cut into a variety of shapes and then poured into place, providing virtually unlimited design options. The concrete surround was formed into a curved shape. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds have an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have a combination of materials including stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. The pre-made pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.
Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood ethanol fireplaces. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make 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 guide explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding to be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall fireplace.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.