Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The right surround can add personality to your living room, whether you use it for warmth or for aesthetics. However, selecting the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a challenge.

These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can add warmth and charm. It is made with a selection of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the style and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces shop. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.

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

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

If you are planning to use tile for an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the label or you can inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform the look of a room. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to suit any style or decor.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually placed into a mold giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

When designing your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It can also help reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine in front of your mantel.

Once you've chosen the material for your frame's leaning frame then it's time to begin making the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board and then into a wall stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage, marble fireplace deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace a focal point in a space. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living area has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, however it provides a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to surround ethanol fireplaces. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, that is available in a wide range of textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds come with a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be affixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the look of the look of wrought iron.

It is crucial to consider the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading into your home, building codes require minimum clearances. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or marble fireplace pine mantels. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.

A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the look they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to make them fit with your existing decor.

Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning electric fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.

The guide explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when installing 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 essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is set.