Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will give your living space a unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of marble fireplaces

A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, and designed to suit different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is essential to take into consideration the style and the budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively easy 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 that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to be able to withstand heat well. It is available in many colors and patterns so you can create different designs. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.

If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead 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 particular attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning on using tiles for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can transform an area. It's not only visually pleasing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fireplace suites from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually put into a mold, which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look curated and intentional rather than being thrown randomly on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to keep it in the right place. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then using 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, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a room. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or they can improve the appearance of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design feature to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive appearance.

Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape giving it 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 which is available in a wide variety of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.

It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

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

A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a range of different finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.

For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you create your own wood fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show how to build an authentic wood surround made of pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are completed you can put in the mantel itself. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials, it is important to adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable adhesive to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is set.