Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area and can be used to provide warmth or aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a challenge.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is a focal point for rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It is made of many different materials and designed to suit different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a modern 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 a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in many colors and Modern Fireplace patterns so you can create different designs. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.

If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting however it's much simpler than you think if you work with an expert and prepare ahead.

It's also a good idea to seek out a professional when building a fireplace surround out of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

If you are planning to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.

The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames can be risky If you're planning on displaying heavier objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee on your mantel.

After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each line. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel with bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They shield walls from damage from heat and also reflect some of the heat into the space and make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in an area. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this modern living area has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover ethanol fireplaces. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround was formed into a curved shape. It gives modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall fireplace and floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which is available in a wide variety of textures and modern fireplace colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel including lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds come with a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces shop. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal 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. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and can vary from country to country or from 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 entirely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a cost-effective and easy option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it 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.

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

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial will show you how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct 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 which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in place.