Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a daunting task.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can add warmth and charm. It can be made from various materials and designed to suit various styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to consider the style and the budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a surround.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.

Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It is available in many designs and colors, making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be much easier than you imagine if you plan ahead and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.

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

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire space. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.

Selecting the right material for the frame's leaning surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a good choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace insert surround.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help to keep it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats along each mark. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board and then into a wall stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect heat back into the room and can make a fireplace the focal point of an area. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or simply to enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

This fireplace is a modern living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more care than a wooden mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an overall look.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It gives a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which comes in a wide variety of textures and colors that match any style. 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 household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.

Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses doors for electric fireplaces. This plate can be fixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.

When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary based 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 completely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.

A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the look they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a variety of finishes to make it a part of 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 the wood shows through. This fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fires. It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.

If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you to make your own wooden fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built then you can place your mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.

It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in the proper position.