Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can give your living space a unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a daunting task.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of 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 of various materials and designed to suit a variety of design styles. It is essential to consider the style of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperature making it an ideal option for a border.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat very well. It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much simpler than you think if you work with professionals and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when creating 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're going to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You can typically find this information on the packaging or ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually put into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding an oak board at the bottom to hold it in place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the item and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and then use a saw to cut cleats on each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into the nail. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an attraction in a space. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide range of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of wrought iron.
It is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding that will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material, it is important that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it is held in place.