Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living space regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. However, choosing a fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a daunting task.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in a room and it can add warmth and charm. It is constructed from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the style and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures, making it a great option for a border.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look, or left untouched to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to be able to withstand heat well. It is available in many colors and patterns making it possible to create a variety of designs. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be possible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be simpler than you imagine if you plan ahead and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're going to use tiles for your
freestanding fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. This information is usually found on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire space. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the space. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects, such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to prevent them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
After you've selected the material for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions for your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and then into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure 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 functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace an attraction in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look complete.
This fireplace is a contemporary living space with a black surround and
white fireplace marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an overall appearance.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured in place, giving almost endless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a wide range of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of
electric fire 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 want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without the expense of the services of carpenters. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
Another kind of
fire surround made of wood is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.
For those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wooden fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show how to build an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished you can put up your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials it is essential that you follow the
ethonal 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 join the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place when the surround is put in place.