Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using fireplaces shop for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can make your living space more unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a challenge.

These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can add warmth and charm. It can be made from many different materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the style and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.

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

Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It also comes in a range of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with an expert and plan ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace (similar site) 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 are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the label or ask a staff member at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can transform the entire room. It's not just visually pleasing but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall behind the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

Choosing the right material for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds to allow you to choose the option of creating a unique shape.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It can also help reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you've selected the material you'll use for your leaning frame surround, it's time to start constructing the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and then into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is recommended if required. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Fix the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls against damage from heat and also reflect heat back into the room and make a fire more of the focal point of an area. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it is a striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive appearance.

Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile giving it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a variety of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, like lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the freestanding fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.

It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained 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 either gas or wood fireplaces wood. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround made of wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create an attractive wood surround with pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished then you can place your mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.

Since a fireplace suites surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important that you adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.