Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will give your living space a unique. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is safe and complies with the code.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of 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 can be a focal point in an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made of various materials and designed to fit different styles of design. It is important to think about the style of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine if you work with a professional and think ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

If you're going to use tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. You'll typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not only visually pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall behind the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.

Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a good option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in a mold to allow you to choose the option of creating unique shapes.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This will make the frame appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. If you plan to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining under the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It will also lessen the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

Once you've chosen the material you'll use for your leaning frame surround then it's time to begin making the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate 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, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is recommended if required. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls against heat damage and also reflect heat into the space and make a fireplace the focal point of an area. Metal and wood are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

This fireplace is a contemporary 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 room. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an attractive design.

Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped into a curved shape. It has a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood floor.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of iron wrought.

It is essential to take into account the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes require minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without hiring a carpenter. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes, so you can blend them into your existing decor.

Another kind of fire surround made of wood is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. This can be stained a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.

For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will help you to make your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding 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 at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to attach the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place when the surround is installed.