Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to pick the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A tabletop fireplace surround is an important focal point in rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It is constructed using a range of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. It is important to think about the style of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperature making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/6958/warmlite-wl46031-lavenham-1-8kw-led-log-effect-fire-stove-with-adjustable-thermostat-control-1800w-black-6958.jpg)Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace suite surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. This project may seem daunting but it's much easier than you think working with an expert and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you are planning to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire space. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard 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 to match any style or décor.
The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal due 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 crucial when creating your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional rather than being thrown randomly on the wall fires or shelf. If you plan to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for your frame's leaning frame and frame, you can begin making the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats on each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional 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 an attraction in a room. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an attractive appearance.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It has an elegant and contemporary look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.
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 finished in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces shop. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
It is important to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace used and can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety of finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in place.