Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living space and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be constructed from many different materials and crafted to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design, it’s important that you take into consideration the design and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature, making it a great choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of designs. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you’re a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. It may seem like a daunting task however it’s much easier than you think if you work with an expert and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tiles as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it’s rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the label, or you can inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the entire space. It’s not just meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable 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’s extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually placed 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 more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you intend to display heavy objects like 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 off or damaging surfaces.
If you’re using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also help in reducing the weight of the piece and prevent it from shifting while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or coffee in front of your mantel.
After you’ve decided on the material, it’s 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 a foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel’s depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or simply to enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
This fireplace is a contemporary living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a mantel made of wood, however it is a striking and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties in the dark shades of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It has modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading to your home, building codes require minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a simple and affordable option.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.
There are many 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. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials it is crucial that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is set.