Choosing a Fireplace Surround

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

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can add warmth and charm. It is made from a wide selection of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing a fireplace surround design.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.

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

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be simpler than you think if you prepare and work with a professional to 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 carpenter who has experience can help you to avoid costly errors.

If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the label or inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be made to suit any style or decor.

The right material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It's usually put into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects, such as vases or lamps, 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 help keep it in place. It can also help reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you've selected the material you'll use for your leaning frame surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living area has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it is a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and then shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a wide range of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When choosing a mantel made of wood or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance may vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.

Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without hiring a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a range of different finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained in a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood buy Fireplaces. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.

For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will help you to make your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built then you can place your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you adhere to 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 adhesive to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place when the surround is installed.