Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a freestanding fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the best surround will give your living space a unique. It can be difficult to pick the right fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.

These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be the focal point of a room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted with a selection of materials and be designed to fit 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 provide an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperature making it a good 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 or etched to create a modern look, or left untouched to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.

Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It is available in many patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete may be within your abilities. It may seem like a daunting task however it's much simpler than you think if you work with professionals and prepare ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You'll find this information on the package or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also has a functional function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be made to fit any style or design.

Choosing the right material for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more planned as opposed to being randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also lessen the weight and stop the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and then use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into a nail. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace a focal point in a space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used to construct fireplace suite surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look complete.

This fireplace is a modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.

While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured in place, giving nearly limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It has an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a wide range of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of iron wrought.

It is important to take into account the size of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. To stop a fire from spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance may vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are different types of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have a combination of materials including stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable option.

A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.

Another type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.

For those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own electric fire surround from wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built, you can install your mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in the correct position.