Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can make your living space more unique. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards 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 can look great in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of a room and it can add warmth and charm. It can be made from a variety of materials, and designed to fit various styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room and the budget before deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a very sought-after choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.

If you're a DIYer, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be easier than you might think if you prepare and consult with a professional make sure the structure is strong enough.

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

If you plan to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the packaging or you can inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not just visually appealing, but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall surrounding the bioethanol fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.

Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that allow you to choose the option of creating a unique shape.

Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding a wooden board on the bottom to help keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the object from moving as you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each line. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into the stud. Pre-drilling 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 depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls against damage from heat, reflect heat into the space and make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace stove.

This fireplace is a modern living space with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be shaped into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, allowing for almost endless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been cut into a curving profile giving it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.

Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that will complement any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.

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

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple wood fireplaces Surround

There are many options available for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional look. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple option.

Many people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the style they desire without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.

Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is made by hand from high-quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak colour or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.

For those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will help you create your own wooden fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.

The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are built you can put up your mantel. The tutorial also will show you how to install the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential to 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 an adhesive that is non-flammable to join the decorative molding and make sure that it stays in place when the surround is set.