Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living space, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made of various materials and designed to fit 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 are an elegant option that can be paired with a broad range of design styles. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary design. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic 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 contemporary style or left untreated to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It comes in a variety of designs and colors, which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can be molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.
If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.
It's recommended to speak with a professional when making a fireplace surround of marble because it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tiles as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the package or you can ask an employee in the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can transform the entire space. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.
The right material is essential for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the frame appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also help reduce the weight and stop the object from shifting while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start making the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board and into the wall stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace a focal point in a room. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured in place, allowing for nearly limitless design options. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a variety of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds have an ornamental faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.
When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of fire into the home. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to achieve the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a range of different finishes to match it to your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.
There are a lot of tutorials available 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 step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal component of the Tabletop Fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built you can put up your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is set.