Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living area regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a daunting task.
These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be an important focal point in the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made from a wide range of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is essential to consider the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature, making it a great option for a border.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It has a timeless appearance that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors, so it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. While it may seem daunting but it can be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
It's recommended to speak with an expert when building a fireplace surround out of marble since it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the package or you can inquire with an employee at an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not only visually pleasing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to match any style or design.
The right material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in a mold to allow you to choose the option of creating a unique shape.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be risky If you're planning to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material for your frame's leaning frame then it's time to begin making the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats on each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. After that, temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect heat into the space and can make a fireplace a focal piece in a space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.
The fireplace in this modern living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall look.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which comes in a wide range of textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, fireplacesandstoves including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.
It is important to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and simple option.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's an economical way to achieve the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.
For those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you to make your own fire surround from wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding 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 away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in place.