Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will give your living room personality. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with code and is safe can be a difficult task.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is the focal point of rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted using a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look, or left untouched to give it a classic appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace might be feasible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult but it can be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, 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're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire space. It is not only aesthetically appealing, fireplace surrounds but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall mount fireplaces surrounding the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted to fit any style or design.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from slipping or 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 the right place. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.

Once you've decided on the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into the wall stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is a focal point in a room. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.

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

Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured into place, providing nearly limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It gives modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a wide range of textures and colors to match any style. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include a faceplate which covers the mantel's top and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.

It is essential to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will vary based on the type of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and simple option.

Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.

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

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround from pine.

The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial to adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in the correct position.