Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the best surround will give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is constructed using a variety of materials and can be designed to match different design styles. When choosing a fireplace suites style, it's important that you take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature making it a good choice for a surround.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a modern look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It's also available in a variety of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting, but it can be much easier than you think when you collaborate with a professional and prepare ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular 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 a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the label or ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not just visually appealing but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall fires that surrounds the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to match any style or decor.

The right choice of material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot longer than the shelf.

Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall fireplace. Make sure the bolts are inserted through 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 the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a freestanding fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.

This fireplace is a modern living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, however it provides a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive look.

Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood that is available in a wide range of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vase.

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 fixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of wrought iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary based 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 traditional wood appearance, there are kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.

A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without the expense of the services of carpenters. Some pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made of high-quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

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

The guide explains how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are completed, you can install your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding to cover up any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

It is essential to adhere to the local ethonal fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.