Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can give your living space a unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials and 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 in a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from many different materials and crafted to match various styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It's also available in a range of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task however it's much simpler than you think working with an expert and plan ahead.
It's also a good idea to speak with an expert before building a fireplace surround out of marble because it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tiles as an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It's available in various materials and can be customised to match any style or decor.
Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into a mold to allow you to choose the possibility of making unique shapes.
Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to help keep it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.
After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and into a wall stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect heat into the room and make a fireplace the focal point of a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look complete.
This fireplace is modern living space with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a variety of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
When choosing a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and may also vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs matched with pine or oak mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it's an affordable way to get the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a range of different finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.
Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.
There are a lot of 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. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.
The guide explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel itself. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in place.