Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a challenge.
These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be made from many different materials and crafted to match different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you consider the design and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique and contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperatures making it an ideal option for a surround.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can stand up to heat well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match the modern design of a surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. This task may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine if you work with a professional and plan ahead.
It's also a good idea to consult with an expert before building a fireplace surround out of marble, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning to use tiles for your fireplace surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire space. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds to give you the possibility of making a unique shape.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. If you plan to display heavy objects like 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.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of an attraction in a room. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living area has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured in place and shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It has modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds have an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the look of wrought iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and can vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have an assortment of materials, including stone legs matched with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a Cheap Fireplaces and simple option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.
Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from high-quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are completed then you can place your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to 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. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it is held in place.