5 Myths About Fireplace Surround That You Should Avoid
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere 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 in the room and can provide warmth and marble fireplace a sense of style. It can be crafted from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to fit different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you think about the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature making it a good option for a surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It comes in a variety of designs and colors, making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting however it's much easier 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 skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you plan to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.
Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds that give you the possibility of making an original shape.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from slipping or 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 place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in front of your tabletop fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for your frame's leaning frame then it's time to begin constructing the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats along each line. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board and then into the nail. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.
This fireplace suite is a modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving virtually unlimited design options. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It creates a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vase.
Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
When choosing a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace inserts a classic style. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds, which are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.
A lot of people choose to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.
For those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wooden fire surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.
The guide explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished, you can install 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.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in the correct position.