Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living space and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is a focal point for a room, and can add warmth and charm. It is constructed with a range of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It is essential to consider the design of the room as well as the budget before deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be paired with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a modern look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very sought-after choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It also comes in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine working with professionals and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly errors.
If you intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire room. It's not just visually pleasing but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable for any style or decor.
The right material is essential for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds that give you the possibility of making a unique shape.
Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to build the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall look.
Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been designed into a curved profile which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which is available in a wide variety of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is crucial to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without the expense of the services of carpenters. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a range of different finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.
Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas fires. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will help you create your own wood fire surround. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make an authentic wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are built you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.