5 Laws That Anyone Working In Fireplace Surround Should Know
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for warmth or aesthetics, the best surround will make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to choose the right fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is the focal point of the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to suit different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to think about the style and the budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very sought-after choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It also comes in a range of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a handyman, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be simpler than you imagine if you plan ahead and consult with a professional make sure the structure is sturdy enough.
It's also a good idea to seek out an expert when making a fireplace surround of marble because it requires special care to prevent damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the label, or you can ask an employee in the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually placed into a mold giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more organized rather than randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging 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 moving as you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material for your frame's leaning frame, it's time to start building the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board and then into a nail. Pre-drilling the screw holes is recommended if required. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect some of the heat into the room, and can make a fireplace a focal piece in a space. The most common materials used for tabletop fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.
This fireplace is a modern living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a wooden mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be cut into custom shapes and then poured in place, allowing for virtually unlimited design options. The concrete surround was formed to a curved profile. It has modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
When choosing a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs matched with pine or oak mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they want without having to hire carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a variety of finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from high-quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. The fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas fires. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.
For those of you who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will help you to make your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are completed then you can place your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to 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 make sure it is held in place.