Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made 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 can be a focal point of an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made of many different materials and designed to suit various styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to consider the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature making it a good choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace suites surrounds that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It also comes in a range of patterns and fireplaces colors, which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be much easier than you think when you collaborate with an expert and prepare ahead.

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 costly mistakes.

If you're planning to use tiles for your fireplace surround, be sure 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 a crucial design element that can change the entire space. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in a mold to allow you to choose the option of creating a unique shape.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear curated and intentional rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you intend to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to help keep it in place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and then use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and 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. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative role. They shield walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a room. Wood and metal are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive appearance.

While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It gives modern and sleek appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.

Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an economical way to achieve the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a variety of finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas burning fires and is available 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 make your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround from pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed then you can place your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.