Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to fit various styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room and the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very sought-after choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It's also available in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task however, it could be simpler than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can transform the whole space. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable for any style or decor.
Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds that give you the option of creating unique shapes.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. 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 heavy objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in place. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from moving as you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into a wall stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy 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 functional function. They shield walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of an attraction in a space. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by building code to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a mantel made of wood, however it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an attractive design.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It gives a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a wide variety of textures and colors to match any style. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of wrought iron.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from 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. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and can be fitted 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 help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this complete step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct an authentic wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are completed you can put in the mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is crucial to adhere to the local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it is held in the correct position.