Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will make your living space more unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a challenge.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is the focal point of a room, and can bring warmth and charm. It is made with a range of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you consider the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a modern appearance or left unfinished to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat very well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.

If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be much easier than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.

A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not only meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

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

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least a foot longer than the shelf.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a space. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the appearance of a fireplace.

This fireplace is a contemporary living space with an all-black surround and White fireplace marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it is a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also blends with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose electric fireplaces. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a wide range of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for electric fireplaces. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.

When choosing a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on the type of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. There are also oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.

Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without having to hire carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.

For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can 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 make an authentic wood surround from pine.

The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in the mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding that will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials it is essential to adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in place.