Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a challenge.

The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of a room and it can add warmth and holiday fireplaces charm. It is made of a variety of materials, and crafted to match different styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more modern appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds for holiday fireplaces (Find Out More). It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It's also available in a range of patterns and colors making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. While it may seem daunting but it can be simpler than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

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

If you're going to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. This information is typically found on the packaging or inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not only visually pleasing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall that surrounds the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to match any style or decor.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically placed into a mold which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath 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 an oak board at the bottom to keep it in place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an attraction in a space. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this modern living space features an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more attention than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive look.

While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be hung to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace installers surround It is essential to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire carpenters. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a range of different finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.

There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.

The guide explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial to adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in place.