Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The right surround can add personality to your living area, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. However, choosing a fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a challenge.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and 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 for rooms, and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made with a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room and the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary style or left untreated to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to the interior of a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns so you can create different designs. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match the modern design of a surround.

If you're a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much easier than you think working with an expert and think ahead.

A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.

The right material is essential for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a good option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and fireplace surrounds has a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in a mold to allow you to choose the option of creating an original shape.

Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects 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 prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in place. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from moving as you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the fireplace.

Once you've chosen the material you'll use for your frame's leaning frame then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.

Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure 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 to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls from damage from heat and also reflect some of the heat into the room, and can make a fireplace the focal point of a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it appear more 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 aspect to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for an overall appearance.

While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges that resemble the look of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or contemporary Fireplaces metal fireplace surround, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the type of 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 many kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.

Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a variety of finishes to match it to your existing decor.

Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained with an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.

There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct an authentic wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are completed you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is essential to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in the correct position.