Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, and crafted to match different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is important to consider the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look or left unfinished to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a very popular choice for modern surrounds around
fireplaces shop. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It is available in many patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be a possibility for DIYers. This project may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine if you work with an expert and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a
marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning to use tiles for your fireplace surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. You'll 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's not only visually appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's usually placed into a mold giving you the ability to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more organized rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in place. It will also help reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you sip your cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the
wall fireplace. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be 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 serve a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect heat into the space and make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in an area. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
This fireplace is a modern living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive appearance.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It has modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vase.
Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.
It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting the wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance can vary depending on the type of
tabletop fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
A lot of people choose to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive way to get the look that they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. The fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas
electric fires. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel itself. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential to adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in place.