Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the right surround can give your living space a unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which 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 fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be made from a variety of materials, and crafted to match various styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you think about the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a broad range of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for a surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more modern look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is also available in a range of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much simpler than you think if you work with professionals and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform an area. It's not just visually pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. 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 key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds to allow you to choose the possibility of making unique shapes.
Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you plan to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining under the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from moving as you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin making the actual piece. First, mark 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 cleat on top is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.
Next, screw 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 clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look complete.
The fireplace in this modern living area has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it provides a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also ties together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been designed into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance 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 variety of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.
It is important to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an affordable way to achieve the look they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience in 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 guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are completed then you can place your mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is crucial to adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to attach the decorative molding and make sure that it stays in place when the surround is put in place.