Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a daunting task.
These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can add warmth and charm. It is constructed with a range of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is essential to take into consideration the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone fireplaces veneers can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. It may seem like a daunting task but it's more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with an expert and plan ahead.
It's recommended to speak with an expert when building a fireplace surround out of marble since it requires special care to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you plan to use tile for an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It is not only aesthetically appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall that surrounds the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
The right material to use for the frame's leaning surround is essential to achieve an intentional 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's usually put into a mold, giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky If you're planning to display heavier objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is required if you need to. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a space. The most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or simply to enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it adds an eye-catching design aspect to the room. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving almost endless design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to a curved profile. It has a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a wide variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to think about the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they desire without hiring a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a range of different finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that shows you how to make an authentic wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial will show you how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place when the surround is put in place.