Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is safe and in line with the code.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It can be constructed from many different materials and designed to suit various styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is an elegant 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 contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, so you can create different designs. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be much simpler than you think if you work with an expert and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you're planning to use tiles for your fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also offers an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds that allow you to choose the possibility of making an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more curated rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material for your frame's leaning frame and frame, you can begin building the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes 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 strong and long enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They shield walls from heat damage, reflect heat into the room and make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in the space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look complete.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be cut into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround has been cut into a curving profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
It is essential to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without the expense of the services of carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a range of different finishes to blend it with your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.
For those who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can help you create your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround from 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. Once the pilasters or columns are finished you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important to adhere to the local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.