Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will give your living room personality. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of an area and it can add warmth and charm. It is made with a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you think about the style and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be combined with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors so you can create different designs. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.

The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace may be feasible for DIYers. While it may seem daunting however, it could be much easier than you imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

It's recommended to consult with an expert before creating a fireplace surround made of marble since it requires special care 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 tile for a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the label, or you can ask an employee in an improvement store for.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not just visually appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.

The right material is essential to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and colour. It is typically poured in molds that give you the possibility of making unique shapes.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from moving while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats along each line. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is a focal point in a room. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the appearance of a fireplace.

This fireplace is modern living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more attention than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

Concrete is not just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving virtually unlimited designs. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape giving it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.

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

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.

When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, 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 traditional look. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it's an economical way to achieve the style they want without hiring carpenters. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes, so you can blend them into your existing decor.

Another type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from high-quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround made of wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build 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 finished you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.