Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living room personality. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is an important focal point in the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from various materials and designed to suit a variety of 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 give a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it a good choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be feasible for DIYers. While it may seem daunting however, it could be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you intend to use tiles as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall that surrounds the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.
The right material to use for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds that allow you to choose the option of creating an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous If you're planning on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your frame and use a sander to cut cleats along each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They shield walls from heat damage, reflect heat into the space, and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in the space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also blends to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
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 formed into a variety of shapes and then poured into place, providing virtually unlimited design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped into a curved shape. It creates a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a wide range of textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
It is crucial to consider the size of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance can vary depending on the kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different types of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without hiring carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained to the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.
For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in the proper position.