Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is a focal point for rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It can be constructed from many different materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you consider the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, so you can create different designs. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be much easier than you imagine if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to ensure that 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 carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly errors.
If you're going to use tile for your fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform an area. It is not only aesthetically appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It's available in a variety of materials and can be made to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds that give you the option of creating unique shapes.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This makes the frame appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects, such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start making the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage from heat, reflect heat into the room, and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a space. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect nearby combustible areas or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look complete.
This fireplace is a modern living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it provides a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an overall design.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround has been cut into a curving profile which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance may vary based on what kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different types of surrounds that you can purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
If you have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials online that can help you to make your own wood fire surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is constructed from combustible material it is essential that you follow your local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is put in place.