Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. However, selecting the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a daunting task.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is an important focal point in rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It is made from a wide selection of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be paired with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature making it a good choice for a surround.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look or left unfinished to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be easier than you might think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
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 mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're going to use tiles for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You can typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not only meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to keep it in the right place. It will also help reduce the weight and stop the object from moving as 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 build the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into a stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace a focal point in a space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the appearance of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design feature to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile giving it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a wide variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold household decorations above the mantel, like lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of wrought iron.
It is essential to consider the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a variety of finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted constructed from top quality oak is also a popular choice. 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. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.
For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wood fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows how to build a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal component before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material, it is important that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it is held in the proper position.