Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space and can be used to provide warmth or aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is a focal point for the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is constructed with a selection of materials and be designed to match different design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be simpler than you imagine if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.
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 errors.
If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the package, or you can inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.
The right choice of material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear curated and intentional instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you intend to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board, and into the wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from heat damage and also reflect some of the heat into the space, and can make a fire more of the focal point of an area. The most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design element to the room. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a variety of textures and colors to match any style. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations 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. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or metal fireplace surround It is essential to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. This distance may vary based on the type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a traditional style. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.
A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some of the premade surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. This can be stained an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important to adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.