Choosing a Fireplace Surround

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

The custom-built surrounds are constructed of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround is the focal point of rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It can be constructed from many different materials and designed to fit a variety of design styles. It's important to consider the style of the room and the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures making it a good choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds 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 look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It also comes in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace may be feasible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is strong enough.

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

If you are planning to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the label or you can ask a staff member at an improvement store for.

Leaning Frame Surround

The wall-mounted fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire room. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It's available in various materials and can be customised to match any style or design.

Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and colour. Concrete is typically poured into molds that give you the option of creating unique shapes.

Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or 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 the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee on your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and fireplace surrounds strong enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from damage from heat, reflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace the focal point of a space. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space features an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings together the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive design.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured into place, providing virtually unlimited design options. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape, fireplace surrounds creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that will complement any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, like lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds have an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.

It is important to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround since it's an economical way to achieve the look they want without having to hire carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a range of different finishes to match it to your existing decor.

A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.

If you have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you to make your own wood fire surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.

The guide explains how to construct the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that 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 cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.

It is important to follow the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.