Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use cheap fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the right surround can make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.

The custom-built surrounds are constructed of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It is made using a range of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room as well as the budget before deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperature making it an ideal choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone fireplaces veneers are a popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to be able to withstand heat well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of designs. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. This project may seem daunting however it's much easier than you think when you collaborate with professionals and prepare ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you plan to use tiles as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high temperatures. 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 an area. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the space. It's available in various materials and can be customised to fit any style or design.

The right material is essential for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in position. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into the nail. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make 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 play a functional and decorative function. They shield walls from heat damage and also reflect heat back into the room and make a fire more of a focal piece in the space. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also blends in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured in place, giving almost endless design options. The concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile, creating an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide range of textures and colors to match any style. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is crucial to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have a combination of materials including stone fireplaces legs matched with oak or pine mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and simple option.

A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive method of getting the look they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.

Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained with an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood is visible. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.

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

The guide explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel. The tutorial also will show you how to install the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential 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 to join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.