Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can bring warmth and ethanol Fire elegance. It is made of various materials and designed to suit different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or more modern fireplace metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperature, making it a great choice for a surround.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it’s durable and stands up to heat very well. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can be molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you’re a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine if you work with professionals and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you plan to use tiles as an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the package, or you can ask a staff member at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the whole space. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.
The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it’s durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It is usually poured in a mold to allow you to choose the possibility of making an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you intend to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
Once you’ve decided on the material you’ll use for your frame’s leaning frame, it’s time to start building the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats on each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a contemporary living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an attractive look.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving almost endless design options. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a wide variety of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the mantel’s top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges that resemble the look of iron.
It is important to consider the height of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and can also change from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it’s an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring carpenters. The pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to make them fit with your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.
If you have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there’s a wealth of tutorials online that can help you to make your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create an authentic wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.