Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround is an important focal point in rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It can be made from many different 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 style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures making it an ideal option for a border.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure 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 on using tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. This information is usually found on the label or you can ask an employee in an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire space. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you plan to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding or 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 help reduce the weight of the object and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine in front of your mantel.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board, and into a nail. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from heat damage and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is a focal point in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and steel. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.
This fireplace is a modern living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design aspect to the room. The black finish also blends to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many different types of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.
A lot of people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available with a variety of finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from high-quality oak. This can be stained a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: flat or arched.
For those of you who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can help you create your own wooden fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create an attractive wood surround with pine.
The guide explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are finished, you can install your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it is held in the proper position.