Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living space, whether you use it to provide warmth or aesthetics. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is safe and complies with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built 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 the focal point of rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to fit a variety of design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget before deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be combined with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great option for a border.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a modern appearance or left unfinished to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in many colors and patterns so you can create different designs. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult but it can be simpler than you think if you plan ahead and consult with a professional make sure the structure is strong enough.
It's recommended to consult with a professional when creating a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire room. It's not just visually appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall behind the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It's available in various materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that give you the option of creating a unique shape.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in position. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material for the frame's leaning surround and frame, you can begin building the actual piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is recommended if required. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or to enhance the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the room. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive design.
Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be shaped into a variety of shapes and then poured into place, providing virtually unlimited design options. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile giving it a sleek, modern look 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 variety of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes require minimum clearances. 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
There are many options available for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a traditional style. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an economical way to achieve the look they desire without hiring carpenters. The pre-made surrounds made of pine are available with a variety of finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.
For those of you who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will help you to make your own fire surround from wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are completed you can put up your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding that will cover up any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is crucial to adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it is held in place.