Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere 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 in a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made of various materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is important to take into consideration the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperature making it a good choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's much simpler than you think working with a professional and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll 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 completely transform the entire space. It's not just visually appealing, but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall behind the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It's available in various materials and can be made to match any style or decor.
Selecting the right material for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a good option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. If you are planning to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber under the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It can also help reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material for the frame's leaning surround and frame, you can begin making the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage from heat and reflect some of the heat back into the room and make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in an area. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings in the dark shades 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 surround fireplaces. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It gives an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which is available in a wide variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds have a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
It is important to consider the size of your fireplace when selecting the wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and simple option.
Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds because it is an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire carpenters. Some of the premade surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained in the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.
For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you create your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are completed you can put in the mantel itself. Then, the guide will show you how to install the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in the correct position.