Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living room regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose the right fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround is a focal point for the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted with a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to consider the style and the budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular material for Modern Fireplace (
feltbobs.com) surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It also comes in a variety of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be much easier than you think if you plan ahead and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is strong enough.
It's recommended to seek out an expert when creating a
freestanding fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You'll find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or decor.
The right material is essential to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's typically placed into a mold which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This helps the piece look curated and intentional rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be risky, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects, such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in position. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board, and into the wall stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional 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 an attraction in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the aesthetics of a
fireplace suites.
The fireplace in this modern living space has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall design.
Concrete is not just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured into place, providing almost endless design options. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges that mimic the look of iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can also change from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic look. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without hiring carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained to the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.
If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you to make your own wood fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround from pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
It is important to follow the local
ethanol fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable adhesive to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.