Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be the focal point of rooms, and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted from a wide range of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a broad range of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature making it a good option for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It also comes in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a freestanding fireplace might be possible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be much easier than you think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the package or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also serves a practical purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable for any style or decor.

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

When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects like lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

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

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall fires. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and then into a wall stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a room. 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 look more attractive.

The fireplace in this modern living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It creates a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, that is available in a wide range of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges that resemble the look of iron.

When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have a combination of materials including stone fireplaces legs matched with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap fireplaces and simple alternative.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.

Another popular kind of fire (weblink) surround made of wood is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. The fireplace surround can be used with wood or gas fires. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.

For those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you create your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding that will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is constructed from combustible material it is essential that you follow your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is set.