Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a challenge.

These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be crafted with a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different design styles. It's important to consider the style of the room and the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.

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

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more modern appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. This task may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with a professional and prepare ahead.

It's recommended to seek out an expert when making a fireplace surround of marble, as it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you are planning to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the package or you can ask an employee in an improvement store for.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform an area. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall surrounding the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that give you the option of creating unique shapes.

When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear more organized rather than randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining under the base. This will stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding a wooden board on the bottom to keep it in the right place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with 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 and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls against damage from heat, reflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can improve the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design feature to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.

Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Another popular material for tabletop fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses the fireplace insert doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and simple option.

Many people opt to buy 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. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available 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. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood fireplace to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fireplaces wooden and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.

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 create your own fire surround from wood fireplaces. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an authentic wood surround made of pine.

The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials, it is important that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the correct position.