Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using 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 is a focal point for a room, and can add warmth and charm. It is constructed using a selection of materials and be designed to match different design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the design and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be much simpler than you think working with a professional and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you intend to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging or you can ask an employee in a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing 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's available in various materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
The right material to use for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal with 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 frame appear more curated rather than randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in 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 on your mantel.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board, and into the nail. Pre-drilling the screw holes is necessary if needed. After that, temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw 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 entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more maintenance than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall look.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, allowing for almost endless designs. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It gives modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood 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 decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance may vary based on what type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without the expense of the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a variety of finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from high-quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround from pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are completed you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to join the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place when the surround is put in place.