Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be an important focal point in a room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is constructed using a range of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to think about the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for a fireplace surround.
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 or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. 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's also available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be also formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much easier than you think when you collaborate with a professional and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you plan to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the packaging, or you can inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform an area. It's not only visually pleasing but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall that surrounds the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.
Selecting the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an aesthetic that is purposeful. 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 is typically poured in a mold to give you the option of creating a unique shape.
Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This helps the piece look curated and intentional instead of being randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames are dangerous If you're planning to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to hold it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board, and into the nail. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace a focal point in a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be 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 that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that will match any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds come with a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of wrought iron.
It is crucial to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional look. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple option.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's an economical way to achieve the look they desire without hiring a carpenter. The pre-made pine surrounds come with 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 hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fires. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
For those who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can help you create your own wooden fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed then you can place your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place when the surround is put in place.