Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will give your living space a unique. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.

The custom-built surrounds are constructed 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 a focal point within the room and can add warmth and charm. It is constructed with a selection of materials and be designed to match different design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the style and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in many designs and colors, which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can be molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult however, it could 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 making a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

If you plan to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical purpose that is to shield 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 customized to match any style or decor.

The right choice of material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.

Once you've decided on the material for your leaning frame surround then it's time to begin making the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each line. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board, and into a wall stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, secure the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls against damage from heat and also reflect some of the heat into the space and can make a fireplace a focal piece in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.

This fireplace is modern living room with an all-black surround and white fireplace marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, however it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive design.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured in place, allowing for virtually unlimited design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It has modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and floor.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds have an ornamental faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.

It is essential to take into account the size of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also pick from pine or oak ethonal fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and simple option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.

A hand-crafted wood ethanol fire surround made of high-quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood fireplaces or gas burning fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.

If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials online that can help you to make your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.

The guide explains how to construct the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding to cover up any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable adhesive to attach the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is set.