Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the right surround can give your living space a unique. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is the focal point of the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be made from a variety of materials, and crafted to match various styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a modern style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It is also available in a range of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be possible for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be much simpler than you think working with a professional and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid costly errors.
If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the packaging or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform a room. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fire place from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted to fit any style or design.
Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the item from moving while you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into a wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage from heat and reflect some of the heat into the room and can make a fireplace the focal point of a space. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it is a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall design.
Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be shaped into custom shapes and poured in place, giving virtually unlimited design options. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood that is available in a variety of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and may also vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.
Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an economical way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to show 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 many tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are built then you can place your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place when the surround is set.