Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is a focal point for a room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made of many different materials and designed to fit various styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature making it a good option for a border.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional feel. 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; Read the Full Content, surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's much easier than you think working with professionals and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you to avoid costly mistakes.
If you are planning to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall that surrounds the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually placed into a mold which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent the object from moving as you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace suites.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into the wall stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is necessary if needed. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that 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 as a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from heat damage and also reflect some of the heat into the room, and can make a fire more of the focal point of a space. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look complete.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it provides a striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is an extremely versatile 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 has been designed into a curving profile, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide range of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds have an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the look of iron wrought.
When choosing a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.
There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.
The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are finished, you can install your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is set.