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. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within a room and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be made from various materials and crafted to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to think about the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it a good choice for a surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It has a timeless appearance that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It also comes in a range 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 formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you prepare and work with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is usually located on the label, or you can ask an employee in a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also serves a practical function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to suit any style or decor.
The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great option because it's durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It is typically poured in molds that allow you to choose the option of creating a unique shape.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath 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 to keep it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from moving while you enjoy a good cup of coffee or wine in front of your mantel.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a room. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, however it provides a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It gives modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.
It is crucial to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate 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 want to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. The pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak colour 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.
If you have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wood fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an attractive wood surround with pine.
The guide explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are completed you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in the proper position.