Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living room, whether you use it for warmth or for aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick the right fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is an important focal point in the room, and can add warmth and charm. It is made of various materials and crafted to match various styles of design. It is essential to consider the style of the room and the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperature making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. This project may seem daunting but it's much simpler than you think working with an expert 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're going to use tile for your fireplace surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can change the entire room. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and colour. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you are planning to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from moving as you sip a glass of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround and frame, you can begin building the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each line. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board, and into the wall stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with 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 and 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They shield walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a room. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or simply to enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
This fireplace is modern living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design element to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving almost endless designs. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any style of decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on the type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional style. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone legs with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made fireplace surround as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without having to hire carpenters. Some pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety of finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are finished you can put up your mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable glue to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place when the surround is set.