Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living room regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible materials and adheres 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 provide warmth and a sense of style. It is constructed with a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it a good option for a border.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a modern style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can stand up to heat well. It also comes in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a handyman, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task however, it could be simpler than you imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong 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 making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You can typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It's not only visually appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall surrounding the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to fit any style or decor.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from sliding or 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 reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is recommended if required. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect heat into the room and make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in a space. The most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
This fireplace is a modern living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design aspect to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been cut into a curving profile giving it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide variety of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on what type of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional look. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds because it is a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without hiring carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. It can be stained with an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel. The tutorial 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 surrounding it.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is essential to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.